Get ready for an exciting day at the Bahrain International Circuit, where the World Endurance Championship (WEC) will host its annual rookie test! This event is a game-changer for teams and drivers alike, offering a unique opportunity to showcase talent and test the waters with new cars.
The Big Question: Who's Behind the Wheel?
The WEC rookie test is a hotbed of talent, and this year's lineup is no exception. We've got some big names and exciting prospects to look forward to. But here's where it gets controversial: some of these drivers are already established stars in other disciplines, like Formula E and Super Formula, and they're using this test to make their mark in the WEC.
Let's dive into the confirmed drivers and their stories:
Nick Cassidy: Fresh from his announcement as Peugeot's 2026 recruit, Nick will make his official debut with the Stellantis marque in Bahrain. Sharing the 9X8 LMH with Alex Quinn and Mathias Beche, he's already had a taste of the car in a private test, but this is his first official outing.
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Ben Barnicoat: Also driving for Toyota, Ben has previous experience with the GR010, having tested it in 2023.
Charles Weerts and Kelvin van der Linde: These factory BMW drivers will be getting behind the wheel of the M Hybrid V8 at the Sakhir track. With a GT background, they bring a unique perspective to prototype machinery.
Antonio Felix da Costa: A former Porsche Formula E star, Antonio will be back in the WEC paddock, driving the Alpine A424 ahead of his 2026 campaign with the Renault-owned brand.
Alessio Rovera: Ferrari's nominated driver, Alessio will be driving the customer #83 AF Corse entry. He's also in the hunt for the LMGT3 title this weekend, so keep an eye on his performance.
Lilou Wadoux: Another Ferrari driver, Lilou will pilot the factory #51 499P, marking her second Hypercar outing with the team.
Mattia Drudi: A regular in LMGT3, Mattia will step up to Hypercar machinery during the Bahrain test, driving the new V12-powered Aston Martin Valkyrie.
Jack Aitken and Ricky Taylor: Cadillac has called up its IMSA drivers for this one-day test, adding some extra excitement to the event.
Oliver Gray and Thomas Fleming: These two drivers have been selected by the WEC organisation based on their impressive performances in the ELMS this year. Oliver, who won the overall ELMS title, will drive the car that wins the Hypercar title on Saturday, while Thomas will get behind the wheel of the title-winning LMGT3 machine.
And there's more! The full entry list will be revealed soon, so stay tuned for updates.
This rookie test is a great opportunity to see the next generation of WEC talent in action. But here's the part most people miss: it's also a chance to see established stars from other disciplines make their mark in endurance racing.
So, what do you think? Are you excited to see these drivers in action? Do you think the WEC rookie test is a valuable platform for talent evaluation? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Remember, this is just a preview. The full story unfolds on the track, so make sure you tune in to catch all the action!
