Nine-time motorcycle world champion Valentino Rossi wants to secure his Nordschleife permit in the Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS) before the end of the 2026 season, bringing his dream of competing in the 24-hour race one step closer, Motorsport.com has learned.
The BMW factory driver and his management are looking for an open slot in one of the remaining NLS rounds. The key condition is that he must drive a BMW. From a marketing perspective, utilising the new M2 Racing would be the ideal choice for the Munich-based manufacturer, providing a marketing boost for its new-for-2026 entry level car.