WEC action draws to a close in 2019

Although the day was officially nominated as a “Rookie” test, there was an opportunity for WEC teams to carry out general testing with current or potential new drivers.  

The four WEC promoter-selected Rookies, Nyck de Vries (NLD), Mikkel Jensen (DNK), Job van Uitert (NLD) and Vincent Abril (FRA) all completed laps with Super Season champions Toyota Gazoo Racing, Signatech Alpine Elf, Porsche GT Team and Team Project 1 respectively.

Job Van Uitert said after his drive in the No.92 Porsche 911 RSR-19: ““The weather was an extra bonus we didn’t expect definitely! The car was really impressive, obviously very different to the car I was racing yesterday here, but still a steering wheel is a steering wheel and you adapt quickly.

“I found the car comfortable and challenging at the same time and working with the factory Porsche team was a big pleasure for me, so I am super happy to WEC for the opportunity today. I am ambitious to try many cars in my career and I am super lucky to have got the laps in today with Porsche and to be racing in the WEC this season too.”

Toyota also took the opportunity to test young drivers Kenta Yamashita (JPN) and Thomas Laurent (FRA). The duo are both currently familiar with LMP2 equipment but relished the opportunity to experience the greatly superior horsepower of the last of the LMP1 hybrid era. 

In addition to the 2018-19 championship-winning teams named above, those testing new drivers today were Rebellion Racing in LMP1, G-Drive Racing, Racing Team Nederland, High Class Racing, Jackie Chan DC Racing in LMP2, AF Corse and Aston Martin Racing in LMGTE.

The cars, teams’ and WEC equipment will now be packed up for sea freight to North America ready for round 5 of Season 8, Lone Star Le Mans in Austin, Texas on 22-23 February 2020.

In the meantime, Season’s Greetings to everyone in the paddock and elsewhere.  See you at COTA!

All times from the test can be found HERE.