The roar of the engines will not stop now that the chequered flag has fallen on the Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain. They will today be fired up once again as the stars of tomorrow get their chance to shine in the official rookie test organised by the promoter of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Some of the biggest names in GP2 and GP3 will join already established drivers to sample machinery in both the LMP and GT classes including Saturday's GP2 winner, Mitch Evans, in the 2015 World Manufacturer Championship-winning Porsche 919 Hybrid.
“To get an opportunity like this is a dream come true really,” said Richie Stanaway, who will get a chance to sample the Silverstone and Spa winning Audi R18 e-tron quattro. “With my background coming from single-seaters, plus having a duel programme in GT cars, it 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.”
Sam Bird has been selected for his outstanding performances this year in the No.26 G-Drive Racing Ligier-Nissan. The British racer will drive the Toyota TS 040 HYBRID, along with current DAMS GP2 racer Alex Lynn.
“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.”
As well as the highly prized LMP1 manufacturer test drives this Sunday, many other teams will also be in action, including Strakka Racing who will blood Formula Renault 3.5 race winner Tio Elinas and also former GP3 frontrunner Lewis Williamson.
“Strakka gave me a great opportunity to be a part of their team and what I am hoping from this test is to repay that faith and that something can come from it for the future,” said Williamson. “Ultimately, and since I was eight years old this is what I want to do, I want to race. I will absolutely bend over backwards to get any kind of opportunity for a drive in endurance racing and I will be giving it 110% to make that happen.”
Aston Martin will be giving seat time to its Evolution Academy drivers, who include Jamie Chadwick, Devon Morrell, Ross Gunn, Jody Fannin and Matt Bell.
“We’re looking to see what the Evolution Academy drivers have learned in our programme this year,” explained Aston Martin Racing’s Customer Programmes Manager Andrew Williamson. “Being an Aston Martin Racing works driver requires more than pace on track. We are looking for a future star who works well with our engineers to set-up the car, who prepares for events thoroughly and who represents our brand with the media.”
Sam Smith
