Rookie Test Drivers Named; Pierson to Drive Hypercar

Josh Pierson, Nico Varrone and Antoine Doquin have been selected to take part in the FIA World Endurance Championship Rookie Test at the Bahrain International Circuit.

WEC racers Pierson and Varrone and current European Le Mans Series LMP3 driver Doquin were chosen based on “exemplary performance, race skills and commitment.”

Seventeen-year-old American driver Pierson will spend a minimum of 30 laps behind the wheel of the Toyota GR010 Hybrid at the test, which takes place the day after the season-ending 8 Hours of Bahrain.

Pierson took an LMP2 class victory aboard the No. 23 United Autosports 07 Gibson at the 6 Hours of Portimao earlier this season.

“I’m really excited to get my first experience in a Hypercar, especially with a team like Toyota that is experienced and passionate about the sport,” he said.

“I’m extremely honored and grateful to have been selected for this and I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel.

“I’d also like to thank United Autosports, my co-drivers, and my driver coach, Stephen Simpson, as I owe a lot of my progression as a driver to them. I can’t wait to get started.”

Varrone, meanwhile, will take part in the test behind the wheel of the title-winning LMP2 car, with Team WRT, Inter Europol Competition and United Autosports still in mathematical contention.

As part of Corvette Racing’s GTE-Am lineup, Varrone took a class victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and sealed the world title with two races to spare alongside Nicky Catsburg and Ben Keating.

Varrone’s title-winning No. 33 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R will be driven at the test by Doquin, who currently competes in the ELMS LMP3 class with Racing Spirit of Leman.

The Frenchman took a class win in the 4 Hours of Le Castellet earlier this year and sits second in the standings with three rounds remaining.

The full entry list for the Rookie Test will be released at a later date.