A single auction winner will ride alongside Valentino Rossi at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya this October. The experience, part of a major motorsport festival, will raise funds for children with neuromuscular diseases. All proceeds go directly to charity.
This October, one motorsport fan will get a rare chance: riding next to Valentino Rossi for several high-speed laps at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The seat is up for auction, with every euro going to charity.
The ride takes place on October 1 during the Festival de la Velocidad de Barcelona-Legado María de Villota. The auction winner will join Rossi in a BMW M3 CS Touring, receive two VIP passes for the festival weekend, and stay two nights in Barcelona. 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.
"The auction is being held on Catawiki, and the winner will join Rossi in a BMW M3 CS Touring for laps at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya."
— GPone
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 helped more than 550 families with practical support.
Rossi, five years after leaving MotoGP, 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 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, like the Pontevedra classic rally earlier this year.
"According to Leggo, all proceeds from the auction will be directed to the Primera Estrella program, which is administered by Fundación Ana Carolina Diez Mahou and aims to fund a full year of therapy and support services for 200 children and young people with rare neuromuscular diseases."
— Leggo
Unlike most VIP experiences, every cent from this auction will go directly to children and families facing daily medical challenges. None of the money goes to organizers or sponsors. The focus is on real help, not marketing.
Access to motorsport's inner circle is usually limited, but this auction opens the door for a fan to meet Rossi and make a difference for children in need. It shows that when the world of racing comes together, it can do more than entertain—it can help change lives.
