The entry list for the forthcoming FIA WEC Rookie Test in Bahrain next month has been revealed. It includes 36 cars and 46 drivers, all set to turn laps at the Bahrain International Circuit after the conclusion of the 2024 WEC season.
In Hypercar, the headline is a test for MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, who will steer an M Hybrid V8 during the day and get his first taste of prototype machinery, a year on from his first WEC test in a BMW M4 GT3 ahead of his LMGT3 programme with WRT. He’s listed in both BMWs.
Rossi will be joined by BMW works drivers Max Hesse and Dan Harper, who will also be using the test as their first opportunity to drive a top class FIA WEC prototype.
Reshad De Gerus will drive the #6 Porsche 963 after being nominated by LMEM.
Elsewhere, Esteban Masson has been confirmed for a drive at Toyota Gazoo Racing following his run with AKKODIS ASP and Lexus during the season in LMGT3.
And Dane Fred Vesti has been handed a drive with Cadillac to help him prepare for his maiden IMSA GTP start at Daytona in January. Also in the 32 are full-season Corvette LMGT3 Pros Charlie Eastwood and Dani Juncadella.
In 2025, former F2 racer Vesti, who spent the 2024 season competing in the ELMS LMP2 class with COOL Racing, will compete in the Michelin Endurance Cup rounds with Action Express.
“It’s a nice start because I know Bahrain, so it’s a known track, new car, which is a good starting point,” he said.
“It will be some good driving to get going with the Cadillac and I’m looking forward to getting my first real experience with the car.
“Quite soon we have the first proper test at Daytona, where I’ll get my first real experience with IMSA. Really happy to be doing that test to learn about the Cadillac.”
The trio of Ferraris have a driver apiece with Arthur Leclerc in the #50, Thomas Neubauer in #51 and Yifei Ye in the #83
“Arthur is doing the Rookie Test but he is not a choice for next year, our goal is to keep him growing so he will be ready to catch more opportunities in prototypes,” Antonello Coletta, Ferrari’s sportscar boss explained.
“We want to help our drivers grow and we are doing the best we can.
“Next year he will probably be in the GT3. Next year, honestly, we haven’t taken a final decision. But it’s clear that our dream and his dream is to go ahead in the most important championship.”
At Proton, 2025 Porsche Penske Motorsport driver Julien Andlauer is joined by second-generation racer Charlie Wurz.
In LMGT3, AKKODIS ASP’s set of drivers includes Silver drivers Aurélien Panis and Paul Evrard and Silver-ranked Petru Razvan Umbrarescu.
Ben Barnicoat, after testing in the Toyota Hypercar at last season’s Rookie Test, will also be in attendance on Lexus duties with ASP and Conrad Laursen is also on the entry to gain more track time after his one-off appearance with the team replacing Clemens Schmid.
Ex-Audi factory GT driver Mattia Drudi joins Heart of Racing in the #27 Aston Martin.
WRT’s BMWs see a pair of Silver ranked drivers, Swiss Grégory de Sybourg and Belgian Gilles Stadsbade with significant changes expected in 2025.
Vista AF Corse field a driver apiece too – Matteo de Palo and Mahaveer Raghunathan.
United Autosports will test Alex Sedgwick and Tom Gamble whilst the Mathey PureRxcing Porsche sees Michelin Le Mans Cup Iron Dame Celia Martin alongside Michelle Gatting and LMEM nominee Gillian Henrion.
The list also includes the set of previously confirmed names, with Gillian Henrion in at Pure Rxcing, 2023 F2 champion Théo Pourchaire and Clément Novalak set to drive with Peugeot, Victor Martins listed with Alpine and Franck Perera at Lamborghini, where he will be joined by Jordan Pepper.
More additions are distinctly possible before the cars take to the track.
