First look at WEC’s official test session line-up
The first version of the entry list for the official FIA WEC test session at Bahrain International Circuit on Sunday 15 December has today been revealed.
To view the provisional list, click HERE.
Last month the WEC announced four drivers it had selected to take part based on their exemplary performance, race skills and commitment. These four “Rookie” drivers will be awarded a minimum of 30 laps during the five hours of testing time available.
The four drivers selected were FIA Formula 2 Champion and Racing Team Nederland driver Nyck de Vries who will test the Toyota TS050 HYBRID. Mikkel Jensen, winner of this year’s ELMS LMP3 Teams’ Championship, will drive the Signatech Alpine A470-Gibson LMP2 car. Meanwhile, LMP2 driver Job Van Uitert will test the Porsche 911 RSR-19 and experienced sportscar driver, Vincent Abril, will try his hand at the LMGTE AM class winning Porsche 911 RSR belonging to Team Project 1. Also driving the Team Project 1 car in Bahrain will be America’s Maxwell Root.
Other drivers confirmed to attend the test include Frenchman Thomas Laurent and Japan’s Kenta Yamashita who have both been selected by Toyota Gazoo Racing. Laurent is the team’s test and reserve driver while Yamashita is a member of Toyota’s young driver programme. Both drivers are experienced in LMP2 machinery competing in this year’s FIA WEC with High Class Racing and Signatech Alpine Elf.
Toyota’s regular drivers Kamui Kobayashi and Brendon Hartley will also take to the wheel of the TS050 HYBRID at the test session to set a benchmark time for the rookies and to ensure that everything is operating well inside the car.
Elsewhere, High Class Racing has confirmed Denmark’s Michael Markussen will test the Oreca 07 – Gibson. Markussen competed in this year’s Michelin Le Mans Cup in an LMP3 car and is a regular in Danish Thundersport but Bahrain will mark the driver’s first outing in LMP2 machinery.
G-Drive Racing have confirmed four drivers to test the Aurus 01 Gibson car including Denmark’s Mikkel Jensen and experienced French racing driver, Jonathan Cochet. The Russian team have also listed former F1 driver Roberto Merhi from Spain, as well as former Asian Le Mans Series LMP2 Champion, Harrison Newey (UK).
AF Corse have confirmed that its LMGTE Am driver Nicklas Nielsen will take to the wheel of the Ferrari 488 GTE EVO alongside LMGTE Pro regular Alessandro Pier Guidi who will help set a benchmark time.
Rebellion Racing, JOTA and Jackie Chan DC Racing have also committed to the test session but have yet to confirm which drivers will take part.
The sessions at Bahrain International Circuit will run from 10h00 to 12h00 and from 13h00 to 16h00 on Sunday 15 December.
