Verstappen and Rossi Will Race in Portimao
The racing stars are confirmed to compete in the GT World Challenge endurance event on October 17, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Motorsports
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Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen and motorcycle icon Valentino Rossi will compete in the upcoming GT World Challenge race at Portimao. The event, scheduled for October 17-18, 2026, features 60 total entrants across four different categories.
Why it matters
The high-profile participation of Verstappen and Rossi brings increased attention to the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. Both athletes are entered in the competitive Pro category, drawing focus to their transition into GT endurance racing.
The race will span a duration of 3 hours with 60 confirmed entrants competing across the Pro, Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories. Max Verstappen will drive the number 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, while Valentino Rossi pilots the number 46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO.
The players
Max Verstappen
He is a Formula 1 world champion currently driving for Team Verstappen Racing.
Valentino Rossi
He is a legendary motorcycle racer who transitioned to four-wheeled endurance racing with Team WRT.
Team WRT
This is a prominent racing organization that competes in various GT and touring car series.
The details
Max Verstappen joins Team Verstappen Racing alongside Ben Barnicoat and Chris Lulham, filling spots left by the absent Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon. Valentino Rossi will race for Team WRT, partnering with teammates Neil Verhagen and Max Hesse.
Timeline
The GT World Challenge race at Portimao occurs from October 17-18, 2026.
Valentino Rossi retired from MotoGP in 2021.
Valentino Rossi won seven premier class titles between 2001 and 2009.
Season Trajectory
The entry of high-profile stars into the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup shifts the competitive landscape of the season. This event impacts the standings for the Pro category and alters team dynamics following the scheduling conflicts of other drivers.
The race duration is set for 3 hours, testing the endurance and strategy of the Pro category drivers. Fans should note that Verstappen is driving the number 3 car, while Rossi is in the number 46 machine.
The takeaway
The inclusion of global motorsport icons in regional endurance races highlights the growing crossover between open-wheel, motorcycle, and GT racing. Fans can expect to see how these diverse skill sets translate to the 3-hour format at the Portimao circuit.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Motorsports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GPfans.
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