WEC Rookie Test Underway At Bahrain International Circuit

The official FIA WEC Rookie test is underway in Bahrain, with the three drivers chosen by the Promoters of the championship having all experienced their first laps of LMP1 hybrid power.

A total of 15 cars are entered in the test, which is open to all teams to not only test potential drivers for the coming season but also to start development work with tire companies.

Brazilian Pipo Derani completed 32 laps in the No.5 Toyota Gazoo Racing TS050 Hybrid, and Paul-Loup Chatin managed a limited laps in this morning’s two hour session in the No.8 Audi R18 which won yesterday’s Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain.

American Gustavo Menezes has also had his first laps behind the wheel of the No.1 Porsche 919 Hybrid.

This afternoon’s three-hour test will give all the drivers plenty of time to experience the power, might and sounds of the FIA WEC’s entrants represented across all classes.

United Autosports drivers Alex Brundle, Christian England and Mike Guasch, winners of the LMP3 Drivers’ Championship in the 2016 ELMS, had their first laps in Manor’s LMP2 ORECA 05-Nissan this morning as a prize for winning the championship.