Valentino Rossi jokes about Max Verstappen: 'I cleared the way'

Valentino Rossi has welcomed Max Verstappen's growing involvement in GT3 racing, playfully suggesting he helped pave the path for the four-time F1 drivers' champion's foray into endurance competition.

The Italian, who transitioned to four-wheel racing following his MotoGP retirement in 2021, spoke enthusiastically about Verstappen's recent GT3 exploits during the GT World Challenge Europe season opener at Paul Ricard last weekend.

"I opened the door a little, I cleared the way a bit," the nine-time motorcycle world champion told Sky Sport Italia with a smile.

"I'm happy, I don't think it's all down to me, but it's a great satisfaction to see Verstappen driving this kind of car. I really hope I can get on track with him soon and do a couple of laps together."

Rossi's comments came as both he and Lance Stroll competed in the six-hour endurance race at Circuit Paul Ricard.

The 47-year-old, racing a BMW M4 GT3 for Team WRT alongside Daniel Harper and Max Hesse, has become a fixture in GT3 competition after leaving MotoGP.

His transition has included a full World Endurance Championship campaign in 2025 and victories at prestigious events, including the Indianapolis 8 Hours.

Verstappen's expanding GT3 programme

Verstappen has rapidly established himself in GT3 racing since obtaining his licence less than a year ago.

The Dutchman won on his debut in the Nürburgring Endurance Series last September and recently took pole position and victory on the road at the NLS2 race in April, though the result was later rescinded due to a tyre regulation infringement.

The Red Bull driver owns Verstappen Racing, which runs a Mercedes-AMG GT3, and is preparing for the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May alongside teammates Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer.

Stroll, meanwhile, made his GT3 debut at Paul Ricard, driving an Aston Martin Vantage for Comtoyou Racing.

Despite posting the eighth-fastest lap of the entire race, the Canadian's car finished 48th after accumulating multiple penalties and ultimately retiring with gearbox trouble.

For Rossi, the appeal is simple: "It's a category that is really growing. The cars are fantastic to drive, and the essence of motorsport is still very clear.

"They are fast, but also heavy and difficult to control, which makes the racing exciting. It's just very cool."