The Bahrain International Circuit is gearing up for an exciting rookie test, but who will be behind the wheel? The World Endurance Championship's traditional post-season event is a launchpad for new talent, and this year's edition promises to be no different.
The Bahrain Rookie Test: A Launchpad for Racing Stars
The WEC rookie test has been a stepping stone for many renowned drivers, offering a unique opportunity to showcase their skills in top-level prototypes. Past participants include legends like Fernando Alonso, Sebastien Ogier, and Valentino Rossi, who all took their first laps in WEC during this test. But here's where it gets interesting: this year's test will feature some rising stars and seasoned drivers alike.
Peugeot's New Recruit and WEC Veterans
Nick Cassidy, Peugeot's 2026 recruit, will make his official debut with the team in Bahrain, sharing the 9X8 LMH with Alex Quinn and Mathias Beche. Cassidy, a Formula E frontrunner, already has WEC experience from 2022, but this will be his first outing with Peugeot. Meanwhile, Sacha Fenestraz rejoins Toyota, and Ben Barnicoat will drive for the Japanese marque, having tested their car in 2023.
A Mix of Factory Drivers and Rising Talent
The test will also see factory BMW drivers Charles Weerts and Kelvin van der Linde take on the M Hybrid V8, a new challenge for these GT specialists. Former Porsche Formula E star Antonio Felix da Costa returns to WEC with Alpine, preparing for his 2026 campaign. Ferrari has nominated Alessio Rovera and Lilou Wadoux, with the latter piloting the factory 499P in her second Hypercar outing.
LMGT3 Drivers Step Up and Porsche's Absence
Mattia Drudi, a regular in LMGT3, will drive the Aston Martin Valkyrie, a significant step up in machinery. Cadillac has called upon its IMSA drivers Jack Aitken and Ricky Taylor. WEC has also selected Oliver Gray and Thomas Fleming, ELMS standouts, to drive the title-winning Hypercar and LMGT3 machines, respectively. Notably, Porsche is absent from the entry list, having already given 2024 IMSA GTD Pro champion Laurin Heinrich his Hypercar debut in the Bahrain 8 Hours.
Controversy and Comment Corner
And this is the part most people miss: the Bahrain rookie test is not just about the drivers, but also about the teams' strategies. With Porsche's absence, is there a shift in focus for the German manufacturer? And what does it mean for the future of their WEC program? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Do you think the WEC rookie test is an essential part of the racing calendar? Who do you predict will make the most significant impact during this year's test?
