2025 FIA WEC Campaign Concludes with Bahrain Rookie Test
The 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) officially wrapped up today at the Bahrain International Circuit, with a post-season Rookie Test and an awards ceremony. Twenty-nine cars participated in the event, allowing teams to evaluate potential new talents for upcoming seasons.
Fastest Lap: Antonio Felix Da Costa set the pace in the Hypercar category for Alpine, completing 85 laps with a best time of 1:49.214. “It’s amazing to be back in this paddock with Alpine in Hypercar,” Da Costa stated, reflecting on his return to the WEC for the 2026 season.
Nick Cassidy was notable for Peugeot, clocking in third with a time of 1:49.376 after 31 laps in one of the 9X8s. Cassidy acknowledged the differences in vehicle handling compared to his Formula E experience, describing the complexities as “almost a little bit of a holiday.”
At Ferrari, factory drivers Lilou Wadoux and Alessio Rovera, along with ELMS LMP2 champion Oliver Gray, tested the 499P. Rovera noted the substantial advancements made by the team since his last test, while Wadoux affirmed, “You can see on track the push forward that the team has made with the car.”
Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA utilized the day to evaluate drivers Ricky Taylor and Jack Aitken, with Aitken highlighting the differences in team dynamics. “It was good to see how JOTA does things,” he remarked following his runs.
Toyota showcased IMSA GTD PRO champion Ben Barnicoat and SUPER GT driver Sacha Fenestraz, who delivered the quickest time of 1:51.302 in their sessions. Fenestraz expressed enthusiasm for the driving experience at the circuit.
The LMGT3 category was led by Hadrien David in the #87 AKKODIS ASP Lexus, achieving the only sub-2:02 lap of the day. Teams also took the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming Asian Le Mans Series.
Among other participants were ex-Formula 1 driver Logan Sargeant, who tested a Proton Mustang GT3, and IMSA participants Parker Thompson and Dan Harper in a WRT BMW M4 GT3. The day saw minimal incidents, with only one notable engine failure.
Following the track activities, the championship’s awards ceremony was held on the beach, celebrating the season’s achievements.
With the conclusion of the Rookie Test, the WEC looks forward to an exciting 2026 season.
