Valentino Rossi, nine-time MotoGP champion and #46 WRT BMW M4 LMGT3 Evo driver, shared mixed feelings on his 6 Hours of Imola podium finish.
The Italian claimed his first-ever FIA World Endurance Championship pole position in the LMGT3 category before claiming second in his home race.
He finished on the podium with team-mates Ahmad Al Harthy and Kelvin van der Linde.
Rossi said: “I have mixed feelings because a podium is a good result, but we could have won.
“It’s very unfortunate because the team did a fantastic job, the car was very fast, and we managed the tyres well.
“Ahmad and especially Kelvin at the end drove brilliantly. Kelvin fought until the end and brought the podium home.
“Unfortunately, I made a mistake and hit the Ferrari in front of me during an overtaking attempt.
“The subsequent penalty cost us the win. I am sorry for that.”
Rossi hit Simon Mann’s #21 AF Corse Ferrari 296 LMGT3 into the barrier at Rivazza 2, the final corner, having attempted a move on the inside line.
Despite the fact the incident occurred in the fourth racing hour, the #46 WRT recovered from their stop-and-go penalty to still contend for victory.
Undoubtedly, without the incident which resulted in the #21 Ferrari’s retirement, the #46 BMW trio would have likely claimed victory.
Instead – K. van der Linde closed down Richard Lietz’s #92 Manthey Porsche 911 LMGT3.R for the lead in the final laps.
In the end, the South African finished behind the five-time Le Mans 24 Hours class winner – at just 0.316 seconds – owing to Imola’s narrow circuit width lending itself to such fights where defence is key.
READ MORE: Manthey Porsche beats WRT BMW to LMGT3 victory at Imola
