Rossi not done with Bathurst despite 'fantastic' podium

MOTORSPORT legend Valentino Rossi has expressed his desire to return to the Bathurst 12 Hour after claiming a runner-up finish in today's Meguiar's Bathurst 12 Hour.

Rossi teamed up with Belgian Charles Weerts and Suiss Raffaele Marciello in the #46 Team WRT BMW, with Marciello bringing the car home in second after a thrilling late race duel with Jules Gounon.

The sister #32 entry of Brazilian Augusto Farfus and South African brothers Sheldon and Kelvin van der Linde claimed victory in a brilliant tactical performance on what was a banner day for the WRT operation.

With Rossi's international driving commitments set to include a second-straight World Endurance Championship campaign in a WRT BMW M4 GT3, there were some questions surrounding his ongoing participation in the event.

However, Rossi made his future Bathurst intentions clear in the post-race press conference.

"I want to come back, because for me it's good to come and race one time a year in Australia, because I like this place a lot," said the 45-year-old Italian.

"It's the perfect way to start the season, because the track is fantastic, and the race is also very difficult.

"I hope that in the next year more factory drivers and more factory cars can come, but I think that I will come back here."

Rossi was impressive in his third visit to the mountain, and was the most competitive he has ever been around Mount Panorama.

The two WRT entries were trading the lead throughout the first half of the race as the M4 GT3's emerged as the cars to beat, however the #46 would be cruelled by a mid-race pit lane penalty.

Rossi overtook the #24 Method Motorsport McLaren under yellow flags during a Safety Car period, with the #46 BMW tumbling from second to eighth as a result.

However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as the #46 was placed on a slightly off-sync fuel strategy that saw Marciello able to surge home without fuel concerns.

Rossi admitted to the mistake in the press conference, but was still proud of the efforts of both himself and the #46 team.

"It's a fantastic way to start the season with a podium," said Rossi.

"All weekend was great, we were always strong and competitive. The race was good, we could fight with the #32, but unfortunately I made a mistake, and we took a drive-through.

"But from that moment, you think that the fight for the podium is over for us, but we were able to come back with great pace and some great work from the team, and I'm very, very happy.

"For sure the podium is always a target, and it is a great feeling to race here at this track."