FIA WEC Confirms Rookie Test Participants for Bahrain
The FIA World Endurance Championship has announced that British prospects Oliver Gray and Tom Fleming will participate in the official Rookie Test scheduled for November 9 in Bahrain. This annual event allows emerging drivers to showcase their talents to team managers and manufacturers, offering a potential pathway to future contracts.
Gray, a 20-year-old former Williams Driver Academy member, has demonstrated significant skill in the European Le Mans Series, currently leading the standings with VDS Panis Racing after clinching victories at Imola and Spa-Francorchamps. He made a notable impression during his Le Mans 24 Hours debut, nearly achieving victory despite a late suspension issue. “I’m over-the-moon to be selected for this year’s Rookie Test,” expressed Gray. “The opportunity to drive the winning Hypercar is amazing and a step forward in my career.”
Fleming, 23, will drive an LMGT3 car during the test. Currently competing in the European Le Mans Series alongside Mike Wainwright and Riccardo Pera, he has secured two podium finishes this season. As a runner-up in the 2023 Ferrari Challenge Europe, Fleming has accumulated extensive GT and prototype experience. “Being part of such an exclusive and prestigious event is an incredible privilege,” he commented. “The Rookie Test will be the cherry on the cake to conclude what has been a successful 2025.”
The five-hour test following the Bahrain season finale provides teams and manufacturers an opportunity to evaluate prospective signings across the Hypercar and LMGT3 categories. This year’s event follows the impactful participation of Théo Pourchaire, last year’s rookie, who is now the FIA Formula 2 champion and will make his full-time Hypercar debut in 2026.
