Nine-time grand prix motorcycle world champion Rossi was scheduled to make his now-regular Gulf 12 Hours appearance in Abu Dhabi with the Kessel Racing squad in a Ferrari 488 GT3.
A class winner and overall podium finisher at previous events, Rossi was set to share a car with close friend Alessio Salucci and half-brother and current MotoGP rider Luca Marini.
However, Kessel Racing has confirmed Rossi was identified as a close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in self-isolation.
As a result, Rossi will be absent from this weekend’s Gulf 12 Hours – which is due to begin with the first practice sessions on Thursday.
Salucci and Marini will still compete, with former GP3 racer and GT regular David Fumanelli taking Rossi’s place.
A brief statement from Kessel Racing read: “Valentino Rossi will not attend the Gulf 12 Hours, scheduled on Saturday, 8 January.
“The nine-time world champion had a contact with a person positive to COVID-19 so is…
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