Stanaway, Bird, Evans Selected for Bahrain LMP1 Rookie Test

Photos: Vision Sport Agency

Three rising stars from the FIA World Endurance Championship will get a chance to show their potential behind the wheel of factory prototypes next month, with the WEC confirming Richie Stanaway, Sam Bird and Mitch Evans for the LMP1 rookie test at Bahrain.

Aston Martin Racing GTE standout Stanaway will take the wheel of an Audi R18 e-tron quattro, while LMP2 front-runner Bird will be in a Toyota TS040 Hybrid and part-time LMP2 competitor Evans confirmed to test a Porsche 919 Hybrid.

“Of the many potential candidates we considered for selection, these three have shown outstanding performances which we considered merited the test drives in Bahrain,” said ACO President Pierre Fillon.

“Sam Bird, Mitch Evans and Richie Stanaway have all come from GP2, and we respect that Sam has made the full commitment this year to endurance racing.

“Mitch’s excellent performance at Spa and Le Mans brought him very much to our attention, while Richie has not failed to impress in the Aston Martin.”

Added WEC CEO Gerard Neveu: “We looked in depth at drivers from within the world of endurance racing before making the selection, and believe that Sam Bird, Mitch Evans and Richie Stanaway fully deserved the opportunity to demonstrate their talent and potential.

“This Rookie Test will give drivers an added bonus to their season, and forms an important element in the progressive career path available within the endurance family.”

The test, which will be open to all WEC machinery taking part in the Six Hours of Bahrain, is set for Sunday, Nov. 22, with five hours of available track time.

An initial entry list for the official test will be released next week.

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