2026 FIA WEC Rookie Insights: Portimão Test Highlights Emerging Talent
The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Rookie Test has shifted from Bahrain to Monza this season, eliminating the traditional annual test. Consequently, the spotlight turned to the post-season running at Portimão, where over 100 drivers from the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and Michelin Le Mans Cup participated.
The test notably gave many LMP3 drivers their first opportunity to transition to LMP2 machinery. Jules Caranta of Nielsen Racing experienced this step up, expressing excitement after completing 22 laps in the #27 ORECA 07. “It’s so good… It’s so different compared to the LMP3,” he remarked, highlighting the enhanced braking, power, and overall car dynamics.
Caranta overcame the quick turnaround from the Le Mans Cup finale to the Rookie Test with invaluable support from his LMP2 teammates, stating, “They were very helpful. I managed to get used to the speed quite fast.”
Gillian Henrion, a two-time Michelin Le Mans Cup LMP3 Pro/Am Champion, also made his LMP2 debut after a delayed opportunity last year. He praised the experience, emphasizing the concentration needed for the faster car: “The P2 is just amazing… you feel the car more. It’s totally different.”
He aims to step into the LMP3 category for the next ELMS season, expressing aspirations to progress to LMP2 in the future.
Previously familiar with LMP2, Danial Frost approached the test as a “full reset” after competing in various classes since his last outing in the Asian Le Mans Series. He noted the distinct experience with IDEC Sport’s ORECA 07, commenting, “It’s much more stable… and around seven seconds a lap faster” than the LMP3 vehicles he previously drove.
The Rookie Test not only serves as a platform for emerging drivers to elevate their skills but also provides insights into the evolving competitive landscape of prototype racing. As teams and drivers gear up for the 2026 season, the foundation laid at Portimão promises exciting developments ahead.
