Lando Norris is ready to compete in Le Mans alongside Rossi.

      We have often mentioned that Lando Norris has a long-standing friendship with Valentino Rossi, the nine-time world champion in motorcycle racing. The 47-year-old Valentino continues his career in endurance racing, and today the audience gathered at the British Goodwood Festival of Speed had a rare opportunity to see two champions at once.

      Only the most important guests are invited to ascend to the balcony of the Charles Gordon-Lennox mansion, the 11th Duke of Richmond, the founder of the world-famous motorsport festival, and today such an honor fell to Norris and Rossi.

      There, both were interviewed by Karun Chandhok, a former Formula 1 driver and now a commentator for Sky Sports, who asked how likely it was that they would become teammates and compete together in the "24 Hours of Le Mans," as next year the factory team McLaren will debut in the Hypercar category in the World Endurance Championship.

      "We have too many races in Formula 1, but since McLaren is already preparing for Le Mans, maybe not next year, but in two or three years I would love to," Lando replied. "It would be a great honor for me, and it would be really interesting!"

      "Great! Then I'll try to wait for Lando!" Valentino added. "But I've been following Formula 1 since the '90s, after all, I'm a bit older. I'm lucky, I know Lando and many other drivers, and I get into the paddock because Stefano Domenicali is my friend. (laughs)

      It's true that in modern Formula 1 it's not always easy to understand, but it's still a great show, as a lot happens on the track, and we see many overtakes."

      When Karun asked Lando if he had any desire to try motorcycle racing, the current Formula 1 champion said, "Actually, even before karting, I started racing motorcycles, but I had an accident and never did it again. But I've already thought about getting a MotoGP bike – just don't tell Zak Brown!"

      Hearing this, Rossi advised starting with a less powerful and more accessible category and to look into Superbike motorcycles.

      "Of course, right now I'm fully focused on Formula 1," Lando continued. "I will try to win more than one championship, but life is short, time flies very quickly, so I want to get back on a motorcycle and feel what motorcycle racing is like."

      Of course, Rossi immediately offered Norris to come and learn at his VR46 racing academy.

      Towards the end, Lando said a few words about McLaren's situation in Formula 1: "Certainly, the start of the season has been more difficult than we all wanted, but we know that. We understand that this is the reality, and still, I am completely confident that we will fight for victories this year. I am looking forward to it, and although we have strong competitors, McLaren is still better! We will be back, don't worry!"

      To these words, the huge crowd of fans gathered in Goodwood responded with loud applause and approving cheers.