This October, one motorsport fan will have a rare chance to ride alongside Valentino Rossi for several high-speed laps at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The seat is being auctioned, with every euro raised going to charity.
The ride takes place on October 1 during the Festival de la Velocidad de Barcelona-Legado María de Villota. The winner will join Rossi in a BMW M3 CS Touring, with two VIP passes for the festival weekend and a two-night stay in Barcelona included. Bidding closes September 20. All proceeds will go to Legado María de Villota through the Fundación Ana Carolina Diez Mahou, supporting the Primera Estrella 2026 program. GPone reports that Catawiki is hosting the auction.
The money raised will fund a year of therapy and support for 200 children and young people with genetic neuromuscular diseases, continuing the work started by María de Villota. Since the program began, it has provided practical support to more than 550 families. Leggo reports that Fundación Ana Carolina Diez Mahou administers the Primera Estrella program, which aims to fund a full year of therapy and support services for 200 children and young people with rare neuromuscular diseases.
Five years after leaving MotoGP, Rossi has built a new career in car racing. He now competes in the GT World Challenge Europe with Team WRT, still using his famous number 46. In the Sprint category, he races with Max Hesse; Dan Harper joins him for endurance events. This season, Rossi took his first pole position in the championship at Misano, setting a 1:32.154 lap.
The Barcelona circuit is a major venue for Spanish motorsport and draws fans and collectors from across the country. The festival atmosphere is similar to other big gatherings, such as the Pontevedra classic rally earlier this year.
Unlike most VIP experiences, every cent from this auction will go directly to children and families facing daily medical challenges. Organizers and sponsors will receive none of the money. The focus is practical help for those who need it.
Access to motorsport's inner circle is usually limited. This auction gives a fan the chance to meet Rossi while supporting children in need. When the racing community comes together, it can do more than entertain: it can fund care for children who need it.
