Valentino Rossi outlines “wish list” racing return to iconic Japanese track

MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi says he wants to race on the Nurburgring Nordschleife and is aiming to campaign the Suzuka 1000km this year, branding it a “wish list” event.

The nine-time grand prix motorcycle world champion made a full-time switch to car racing in 2022, after retiring from MotoGP at the end of the 2021 season.

Initially just focusing on the GT World Challenge Europe, Valentino Rossi expanded into the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2024.

He solely campaigned the WEC in 2025 with BMW, alongside select other GT racing events, though has departed the endurance world championship this season to return to GTWCE.

Rossi kicked off his 2026 campaign earlier this month at the Bathurst 12 Hours, in which he finished on the podium for a second year in a row.

Looking ahead to what’s next, Rossi has outlined what other races he would like to compete in.

“I want to try and race on the Nordschleife,” Rossi is reported by sportscar365 as saying, as the Nurburgring enduro gets set to feature Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen this year.

“But for sure, the Spa 24 is the biggest GT3 race of the year. So, I want to win Bathurst, Spa, Nurburgring.

“Suzuka is on my wish list, because anyway, if I don’t do WEC, I have more time. I want to race at Suzuka, I loave that track, and the last time [I raced there] was 2003, so more than 20 years ago.

“I hope I can race it this year.”

Rossi has a glittering record at the iconic Suzuka circuit, winning the Japanese Grand Prix three times in succession between 2001 and 2003.

He also won the 2001 Suzuka 8 Hours motorcycle endurance race for Honda with Colin Edwards.

Rossi not ruling out WEC return in Hypecar class

Rossi has signed on to remain a factory BMW driver for another three years and hasn’t ruled out a WEC return in the future if a Hypercar opportunity is presented.

“If I have a chance to race in Hypercar, I would be very happy because I tried the Hypercar and it’s a great car, very fun.

“But I’m also happy to remain in GT3. My target is to arrive at the top, to be a top GT3 driver. I am already happy.

“If I have a chance in Hypercar, I will be happy, but also in the GT3 I enjoy.”