15.12.2023After 13 years together: WRT changes from Audi to BMW

Since its founding in 2009, team boss Vincent Vosse and his employees have seemingly been inextricably linked to Audi. During their years together, the team developed into one of the most successful in international GT-racing.

Results such as victory in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps or the titles in the Belcar Drivers and Team Championships as well as the successful entry of two Audi RS5 Turbos in the DTM are just a few of the countless successes that the team was able to celebrate together with Audi.

At the end of the 2022 season it was announced that the collaboration would not be continued and that WRT was planning its GT racing activities with BMW M Motorsport from 2023. Since the former Audi management employee and thus long-standing contact for WRT, Andreas Roos, had also moved to BMW, a piece of tradition could be retained in corporate communications.

The same thing happened with one of the team's main sponsors, the Skechers company. The Belgian shoe manufacturer's advertising was already emblazoned on Valentino Rossi's eye-catching Audi R8. This connection didn't come by chance either. The Weerts Group, which is behind the WRT team among other things, is building the logistics centers for the Skechers company. The usual “Rossi design” was on display at the presentation of the new BMW model for the Fanatec GT World Challenge.

Of course, Valentino Rossi's famous starting number 46 couldn't be missing from the new BMW M4 GT3. During his time as a MotoGP rider, the number has become his absolute trademark, which should also remain in Rossi's new motorsport chapter. His father had already worn the starting number and after Rossi's career in MotoGP ended, it was decided not to award starting number 46 there in the future.

The BMW M4 GT3 from the 2023 presentation is available from Minichamps in scale 1:18 and in the highest quality and true to detail. It has opening doors and removable engine and trunk covers.

BMW M4 GT3 #46 Presentation Car 2023 Team WRT Valentino Rossi 1:18 , RRP €149,95, item-no.: 113232346