LMP1 Test Proposed for Top P2 Drivers in 2015

Photo: John Dagys

The FIA World Endurance Championship could follow Formula One’s lead by hosting a rookie test that would allow standout LMP2 drivers to try their hand at the wheel of factory LMP1 machinery. (En Français)

Series boss Gerard Neveu has confirmed that such an initiative is being evaluated, in order to help raise the profile of the second tier prototype class, which has struggled for entries this year.

“Manufacturers are not against the idea of testing young drivers, so why not enlist them in the future?” Neveu told Endurance-Info. “We must give young people a chance to show themselves at a high level.”

A handful of LMP2 pilots have made the step up to LMP1 in recent years, including Brendon Hartley and Mike Conway, who are now factory drivers for Porsche and Toyota, respectively.

If the initiative gets the green light, Neveu said the test will be organized following next year’s FIA WEC season finale in Bahrain in late November.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John