Valentino Rossi has hinted he is not done with Bathurst 12 Hour after securing his second podium at Mount Panorama — but the elusive victory still remains out of reach.
The MotoGP legend turned GT3 contender finished third in Sunday’s dramatic endurance classic, sharing the #46 BMW run by Team WRT with Raffaele Marciello and Augusto Farfus.
It marked Rossi’s fourth attempt at the Bathurst 12 Hour and his second straight podium, having finished runner-up in a BMW 1-2 result last year. Yet despite the silverware, the 46-time Grand Prix winner admitted this year’s race was tougher than his previous near miss.
“I think that we had more chance to win last year,” Rossi said after the race. “This year is more difficult… but I’m very happy to arrive on the podium.”
With a smile — and turning 47 on Monday — Rossi made it clear his Bathurst mission is not over.
“We continue to try – and maybe one year we can do.”
Fierce battles and close calls at Mount Panorama
Rossi’s race was anything but straightforward. One of the most intense moments came during a robust on-track fight with Supercars star Cam Waters.
The pair traded positions in a tense exchange that saw officials issue Rossi a warning, while Waters later admitted he was “lucky” to escape without damage following minor contact.
As if battling Australia’s best touring car drivers wasn’t enough, Rossi also had to contend with Mount Panorama’s unique wildlife hazards.
Early in the race, Chris Mies struck a kangaroo on Conrod Straight. Later, Rossi himself experienced a heart-stopping moment.
“I saw a kangaroo, yes, in the second hour and another one on the track,” Rossi revealed.
“He jumped from the wall and jumped to the second corner and after I came back he was in front of me. But fortunately he’s alive.”
“A special place, a special track”
Rossi once again spoke glowingly about the challenge of racing at Mount Panorama Circuit, a venue known for its high-speed straights, tight mountain section and unforgiving walls.
“This is a special place, it’s a special track,” Rossi said. “They use this track just five times in one year. This is the rule of the game if you come to Mount Panorama.”
Wildlife risks, unpredictable weather and the circuit’s old-school layout are all part of the Bathurst 12 Hour’s unique character — something Rossi clearly embraces despite the dangers.
Victory slips away again
While Rossi celebrated another podium, outright victory went to the Team GMR trio of Maro Engel, Maxime Martin and Mikael Grenier.
Their path to the top step was sealed following a controversial late-race clash between Jules Gounon and Kelvin van der Linde, which reshaped the final order in the closing stages.
For Rossi, however, the message was clear: the quest continues.
After four attempts, two podiums and countless dramatic moments, the nine-time world champion has yet to conquer the Mountain — but judging by his comments, a return in 2027 to chase that breakthrough Bathurst 12 Hour win looks increasingly likely.
And if his determination is anything to go by, Mount Panorama may not have seen the last of Valentino Rossi just yet.
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