MotoGP megastar Valentino Rossi will return to Brands Hatch for a second year in succession with confirmation this afternoon (Friday) that he will remain on the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS (GTWCE) grid for 2023.

Rossi will contest the full season in GTWCE next year, including the Sprint Cup double-header on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit on 13/14 May. 'The Doctor' will switch manufacturers for next year, whilst remaining with the same team, as part of the BMW M Team WRT outfit.

The multiple Motorcycle Grand Prix champion made his competitive Brands Hatch debut earlier this year, with thousands of adoring fans descending upon Kent to cheer him on. Rossi and previous teammate Frederic Vervisch finished 13th in the opening race of the weekend before the securing eighth in race two with a spirited drive.

Rossi will share his BMW M4 GT3 with experienced pro Maxime Martin at all rounds, including the Brands Hatch event. Martin is a previous winner of the Spa 24 Hours with the German manufacturer and has also enjoyed class success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The car will run in a brightly coloured livery, featuring flashes of Rossi's trademark yellow and will be emblazoned with his iconic #46.

Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts will share the team's second car in the Sprint Cup races, as they aim to defend the outright crown.

Tickets for GT World Challenge Europe at Brands Hatch on 13/14 May 2023 are available now in advance at a discounted pre-Christmas price. Adult race day admission is available from £28 with free entry for under-13s - click here for more information.