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 announced 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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