Currently reading: Rossi samples BMW M3 GTS
Bike champion gives hardcore M3 its public debut

Valentino Rossi gave the lightweight BMW M3 GTS its public debut in Valencia last weekend.

The nine-time Moto GP world champion took to the track after winning BMW's 'M Award' for being the fastest qualifier on average during the season.

See pictures of Valentino Rossi driving the BMW M3 GTS here

The lightweight M3 GTS coupe, due to go on sale in the UK in early 2010 for 115,000 euro (£102,000), has been conceived as a limited edition model primarily for club based racing in much the same way Porsche produces the 911 GT3 Clubsport.

Hardcore BMW M3 GTS revealed - full details and picture gallery

"It was amazing in the GTS. Just amazing. It was great, especially under braking with the light weight that it has," said Rossi, who is reported to have enquired about ordering one of the cars following his run.

As part of his prize for being the fastest driver in qualifying Rossi also won a standard M3 saloon - the fifth car he has received for scooping the award.

However, the Italian whas vowed to push for more records. He said: "Stoner has won more BMWs than me so maybe I have a target still next year!"

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MarkusMorelli 18 November 2009

Re: Rossi samples BMW M3 GTS

Rossi is a very nice chap and a car conoisseur. I saw him drive a Porker GT2 in Bologna a couple of months ago. He has got taste.

Peter Cavellini 18 November 2009

Re: Rossi samples BMW M3 GTS

Sportsman of the year 2009,i think so,sportman of the decade on two wheels, all most certainly,on four wheels, well, Loeb didn't fare too well when he tested an F1 car so maybe Rossi shouldn't bother.