FIA WEC Post-Season Rookie Test: Entry List Announced
The provisional entry list for the upcoming FIA World Endurance Championship’s post-season Rookie Test has been released ahead of the event set for Sunday in Bahrain. A total of 26 cars will participate, spanning both Hypercar and LMGT3 classes, as teams aim to evaluate emerging talent in preparation for the 2026 season.
Notable entrants include Cadillac IMSA GTP drivers Jack Aitken and Ricky Taylor, who will undertake testing duties with Hertz Team JOTA in a V-Series.R. Alex Lynn, a full-season Cadillac Hypercar driver, will join them, as the team seeks insights into the operational differences between WEC and their North American efforts.
“I am looking forward to getting the experience of driving the JOTA Cadillac,” Taylor stated, emphasizing a desire to learn from both the team and General Motors. Aitken echoed his enthusiasm, citing the opportunity for “cross-pollination” between Cadillac Racing programs.
Connor Zilisch, initially slated for the JOTA test, has been ruled out following his recent failure to clinch the NASCAR Xfinity title. Nonetheless, he is in line for a V-Series R test at Daytona later this month, as he eyes a potential Rolex 24 debut.
Ferrari has confirmed Alessio Rovera for the Le Mans-winning #83 499P, with Lilou Wadoux set for her second Rookie Test in the #50 Hypercar. Proton Competition will have Dorian Boccolacci testing their #99 privateer Porsche 963, marking a significant moment as it follows the conclusion of Porsche Penske Motorsport’s factory tenure.
In LMGT3, François Hériau will test the Manthey 1st Phorm Porsche in preparation for his Asian Le Mans campaign. Turkish racer Salih Yoluc is also gearing up for Asia, partnering with Corvette factory driver Charlie Eastwood in TF Sport’s #33 Corvette.
Other notable drivers include Martin Berry and Tom van Rompuy in AKKODIS ASP Lexus RC Fs, while Garage 59’s Alex West is listed in the #59 United Autosports McLaren ahead of the team’s WEC debut. Gray Newell will run with Heart of Racing in an Aston Martin, and Anthony McIntosh will test with WRT in a BMW M4 LMGT3.
A few cars remain without confirmed drivers, including the #31 Bend WRT BMW, and multiple Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMGs.
Key Takeaways:
- Total Entries: 26 cars across Hypercar and LMGT3.
- Notable Drivers: Taylor, Aitken, Rovera, Wadoux among others.
- Upcoming Events: Zilisch tests at Daytona; others prepare for impending Asian Le Mans Series.
Further updates will follow as teams finalize their preparations for the Rookie Test.
