Antonio Giovinazzi, Pipo Derani and Gustavo Menezes have been selected as the three drivers taking part in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s rookie test.
The test will take place on the 20 November at the Bahrain International Circuit, one day after the 2016 season concludes with the 6 Hours of Bahrain.
Audi, Porsche and Toyota will once again give young, up-and-coming drivers a chance to sample LMP1 machinery at the test.
At least one car per manufacturer will be used at the test, with the rookie drivers getting 30 laps or more behind the wheel. Other drivers selected by the teams can also take part.
Tequila Patrón ESM LMP2 driver Derani has been competing in the WEC this year and will test for Toyota.
GP2 series championship leader and new ESM driver Giovinazzi will test for Audi at the Bahrain circuit.
Menezes and his Signatech Alpine team-mates in the No.36 car have taken four LMP2 wins this year, he will take part in the rookie test for Porsche.
“Of the many candidates we considered for selection, these three have shown both outstanding performances and great potential which we considered merited the test drives in Bahrain,” said Pierre Fillon, president of the ACO.
“Pipo’s excellent performances for ESM in the USA at the start of the year backed up an impressive 2015 WEC season and some extraordinary podium-gaining feats in 2016.
“Antonio is relatively new to endurance racing, compared to the other two, but he has shown a talent for it which cannot be ignored and has the potential for a long future with us should he choose it, while Gustavo has been consistently impressive in the Signatech Alpine this season alongside more experienced team mates.
“We congratulate them on their selection and we wish them every success at the test.”
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