On the list there is representation from three classes of competition, including the three 2016 LM P1 manufacturers, Audi, Porsche and Toyota.  As previously announced, three drivers who have been selected by the Promoter for showing great potential will get a taste of the cutting-edge hybrid technology which has thrilled fans throughout the year, most spectacularly at the recent 6 Hours of Fuji.

The first two are Gustavo Menezes (Porsche 919 Hybrid) and Pipo Derani (Toyota TS050 HYBRID), but unfortunately Antonio Giovinazzi’s GP2 commitments leading into the finale of that championship mean that he will not now be able to take up the opportunity to drive the Audi R18.  The nomination by the Promoter for his replacement will be a driver recognised for his global performances over the last two years, 2014 European Le Mans Series LM P2 Champion and current Baxi DC Racing Alpine driver, Paul-Loup Chatin of France.

Drivers familiar and new to the WEC in LM P1

As well as the official ‘rookies’ named above, a more familiar name will be getting his first experience - with all three manufacturers - of the high-tech, hybrid power on offer from these magnificent Le Mans Prototypes. Four-time Le Mans winner Yannick Dalmas, the official FIA Driver Adviser at every WEC round, will be testing the Audi, Porsche and Toyota in order to increase his first-hand knowledge of these cars and see for himself the levels of visibility, the approaching speeds to other categories of cars and so on.

Both Porsche and Toyota have committed to two cars to take advantage of the ideal track and climatic testing conditions on offer.  Will we see a first glimpse of what is on offer for 2017?  Stay tuned to the FIA WEC’s social media channels to get all the latest news on the day.

Also taking advantage of the test will be the CLM P1/01 AER from Austrian LM P1 Privateer ByKolles Racing Team.

LM P2 entries in force

In the LM P2 class, five teams (six cars) are currently planning to be testing with a view to the 2017 season although many have not yet named the drivers taking part. G-Drive Racing’s ORECA 05 Nissan will see young, British, single-seater driver Tom Jackson behind the wheel together with rising Puerto Rican star Felix Seralles, while young American hot shot Will Owen from Colorado and Mexican talent Patricio (Pato) O’Ward will be in the seat of the RGR Sport Ligier JS P2 Nissan.

Aston Martin v Ferrari in LM GTE

Representing the LM GTE categories will be two Aston Martin Vantages and an AF Corse Ferrari 488. Aston Martin Racing has named a number of drivers including Alex Lynn, who made his WEC LM P2 debut in Fuji. Four other young Britons and Turkish driver Salih Yoluc will get a taste of top GTE power in the Vantage. 

The final entry list for the test, which will run be from 10h00 to 12h00 and from 13h00 – 16h00, will be announced the week prior to the Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain.

- FIA WEC press release -

Photo : Paul-Loup Chatin at scrutineering for the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans (Panis-Barthez Competition).