Former Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen will participate in the 24 Hours of Spa at the end of June, as announced by BMW this week. The Dane has been driving for the German car manufacturer’s WEC team since this year. Magnussen is looking forward to the challenge – not least because he will be joined by MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi. He will share a BMW M4 GT3 EVO with the Italian and DTM champion René Rast.
Magnussen, Rossi, and Rast will represent the Belgian WRT in the third round of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. The 24 Hours of Spa will take place from June 26 to 29. For Rossi, this will be his fourth consecutive participation in this endurance classic. He recently announced his retirement from the GTWCE to fully focus on his commitments in the WEC. The 46-year-old Italian drives for BMW in the LMGT3 class.
‘A True Pleasure’
For Formula 1 veteran and BMW Hypercar driver Kevin Magnussen, this will be his debut in the 24 Hours of Spa and his first race in a GT3 car since 2022. René Rast, a two-time winner of the Belgian long-distance race, completes the trio in the BMW with starting number 46. “I am really looking forward to discovering the 24 Hours of Spa with BMW and WRT,” said Magnussen. “I will also have to get used to the BMW M4 GT3 EVO. Of course, I have some GT experience, but René and Valentino can certainly help me get used to the car. I am looking forward to sharing this adventure with them.”
“Valentino is a legend, and René, whom I know well from the WEC team, is a real champion,” he continued. “It will be a true pleasure to participate in this iconic race together.” Valentino Rossi also expressed his enthusiasm: “I am very happy to be back,” added the nine-time motor champion. “It’s a fantastic race – tough and challenging – on a circuit that commands a lot of respect. The level is extremely high, with the best GT drivers and teams in the world. I can’t wait to race with my great teammates Kevin Magnussen and René Rast.”
