Who are the drivers announced for the Rookie test in WEC?
After each season of the World Endurance Championship, some drivers stay in Bahrain for the Rookie test. The WEC officials have announced three drivers who will be participating, including the youngest participant in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Josh Pierson.
Josh Pierson, Nicolas Varrone, and Antoine Doquin. Here are the three lucky individuals selected to participate in the Rookie test on November 5th at the Bahrain circuit, following the last round of the season. These three men will have to complete at least 30 laps in the championship-winning car that will be entrusted to them.
So, Josh Pierson will be behind the wheel of the Toyota. The 17-year-old will experience his first time driving a Hypercar. He is the youngest driver in history to have participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with United Motosport, last year, in LMP2.
Discovery of the Hypercar
« I am very excited about the opportunity to gain my first experience behind the wheel of a Hypercar, especially with a team like Toyota who is experienced and passionate about this sport. I am extremely honored and grateful to have been selected and I am really looking forward to getting behind the wheel. I can’t wait to start, the American rejoices.
Nicolas Varronne will be driving a LMP2, but he doesn’t know yet which one, as three teams can still secure the title. The Argentinian is part of the winning crew in LMGTE AM, with Corvette. “I am very honored to have been selected by the WEC to participate in the Rookie test in Bahrain. It has been an excellent year with Corvette Racing. I couldn’t have imagined a better year in this championship. We managed to secure the title very early and win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which was our biggest goal this season. So it’s fantastic to have the chance to drive the championship-winning car in LMP2,” announces the Corvette driver.
A Frenchman in the adventure
Finally, Antoine Doquin will drive the victorious Corvette in LMGTE AM. The Frenchman joined endurance racing in 2020, in the ELMS, with Cool Racing before winning the LMP3 category of the Asian Le Mans Series in 2022 with CD Sport. This year, he is driving in LMP3 with Racing Spirit of Leman, won the 4 Hours of Castellet, and is currently second in the standings.
« I can’t wait to take my first laps behind the wheel of a car from the FIA WEC. I would like to express my gratitude to the WEC and Corvette Racing for giving me this opportunity. It’s a pride for me to know that I will be driving a car that has won the championship in its category. After competing and winning the Michelin Le Mans Cup and then the European Le Mans Series championship, this is the logical continuation of my endurance career. I can’t wait to get there, to discover the car, the team, the track, and this unique environment », the 19-year-old driver expressed his satisfaction.
