Kevin Magnussen to Test Porsche 919 Hybrid

Photo: McLaren F1

Ex McLaren F1 driver Kevin Magnussen is among three new drivers that are set to test the Porsche 919 Hybrid next month at Barcelona.

The 23-year-old Dane will join Mitch Evans, who was already confirmed for the Bahrain LMP1 Rookie Test, as well as Oliver Turvey in the two-day test at Circuit de Catalunya on Nov. 10-11.

All three drivers have already gotten seat fittings and simulator sessions in the LMP1 contender last week alongside Juan Pablo Montoya, who will test a 919 Hybrid in Bahrain on Nov. 22.

“We decided to give three young drivers a chance to test the Porsche 919 Hybrid,” said team principal Andreas Seidl. “The seat fit and simulator preparation is already done. We are looking forward to the test and will see what the future brings.”

The test will mark the first sports car outing for Magnussen, who has not been retained by McLaren after serving as reserve driver this year.

Former Le Mans LMP2 class winner Turvey will also get his first chance in the 919 Hybrid alongside Kiwi Evans, a protege of Porsche driver Mark Webber.

While Porsche is expected to retain its full-season lineup in 2016, a seat in its third Le Mans-only entry alongside Earl Bamber and Nick Tandy could be up for grabs due to a clash in the F1 schedule that will likely prevent Nico Hulkenberg from defending his title.

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