Three weeks on from the FIA World Endurance Championship announcing the three young drivers who will get their first taste of LMP1 power, the anticipation is ramping up as the 22nd November date draws nearer. The trio of drivers Sam Bird (Toyota), Mitch Evans (Porsche) and Richie Stanaway (Audi) are savouring the prospect.
“To get an opportunity like this is a dream come true really,” said Stanaway today. “With my background coming from single-seaters, while also having a duel programme in GT cars, means I feel best placed to make the most of it.
“When you are racing in GTE, you look up to the LMP1 runners and they are the drivers that I aspire to be,” continued the current Aston Martin LMGTE Pro driver. “It is something I am really grateful to the FIA, ACO and Audi for. I am really looking forward to it.”
While Stanaway will get to grips with the mighty Audi R18 e-tron quattro, Sam Bird will be learning all about Toyota and the current TS 040 HYBRID. The current leader in the LMP2 class has proved to be one of the benchmarks in the ultra-competitive class this season and is impatient to get his chance in an LMP1 car.
“I was absolutely delighted when I was informed and it is a great prospect for me to get some laps with one of the top LMP1 teams,” said Bird. “It is always nice to have my performances in LMP2 recognised and earn a top-line test in LMP1, so thanks to the ACO, the FIA and Toyota for this opportunity.”
Mitch Evans, who starred for JOTA Sport at Spa and Le Mans earlier this season, will drive for Porsche Team at the test. Evans is the youngest driver to try an LMP1 car at the test and will join countryman and Porsche regular Brendon Hartley in driving the Porsche 919 Hybrid.
Sam Smith
