Thomas Laurent will test the Toyota TS050 Hybrid

Le WEC revealed the first of four drivers invited to the Bahrain Rookie Test held on Sunday, November 19, the day after the 2017 season finale. The 19-year-old Jackie Chan DC Racing resident who rides an Oreca 07 alongside Ho Pin-Tung and Oliver Jarvis currently lead the LMP2 Championship with two events remaining.

Thomas Laurent will pilot the Toyota TS050 Hybrid after being retained “for his exemplary performances, his determination and his racing abilities”, specified the WEC organizers. The Frenchman celebrated with his teammates three category victories including a success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last June after being in contention for the overall victory following the LMP1 rout.

“This test on a Toyota TS050 Hybrid, a prototype from the premier category ofEndurance, is a superb reward for the brilliant progress of Thomas Laurent, comments ACO president Pierre Fillon. After starting with the karting in 2005, Thomas Laurent climbed the Endurance steps set up by the ACO. I congratulate him. »

The other three drivers selected will come from the World Series Formula V8 3.5. The selected drivers will depend on the results of the season which will end the same weekend on the Sakhir circuit. The champion will pilot the Porsche 919 Hybrid while the vice-champion will be at the wheel of an Oreca 07 while the third in the ranking will test a GTE Pro car.

“This is a great opportunity for newcomers to showcase their talents among global manufacturers, underlines Gérard Neveu, director of the WEC. Just see Brendon Hartley arrive in F1 after taking LMP1 with Porsche and the rise of Mike conway at Toyota after his stint in LMP2. This Rookie Test will give Thomas and the World Series Formula 3.5 drivers a nice bonus to their season and could propel their careers in Endurance. »