American teenager Pierson lands Toyota Hypercar check in Bahrain
Josh Pierson, Nicolas Varrone and Antoine Doquin have been nominated by FIA WEC organizers for drives within the 2023 for end-of-season Rookie Check on the Bahrain Worldwide Circuit on Sunday, November fifth.
All three ‘Rookie’ drivers chosen to participate will full a minimal of 30 laps aboard the title-winning automobile of their designated class.
American teenager Josh Pierson (above), who has been competing with United Autosports in LMP2 the previous two seasons, has been handed the chance to check the title-winning Toyota GR010 HYBRID.
The 17-year-old was the youngest Le Mans 24 Hours starter final yr at age 16 and has two WEC LMP2 race wins to his title.
“I’m actually excited to get my first expertise in a Hypercar, particularly with a staff like Toyota that’s skilled and passionate concerning the sport,” he stated.
“I’m extraordinarily honoured and grateful to have been chosen for this and I’m actually wanting ahead to getting behind the wheel. I’d additionally prefer to thank United Autosports, my co-drivers, and my driver coach, Stephen Simpson, as I owe lots of my development as a driver to them. I can’t wait to get began!”
The LMP2 nominee is 2023 GTE Am title winner Nico Varrone, who will drive the profitable ORECA 07 Gibson. Because the title hasn’t been determined, the Argentinian is not going to know if he’ll check with WRT, Inter Europol or United Autosports till the conclusion of the eight-hour season finale.
Varrone will check after a massively spectacular debut season within the WEC, taking part in a key position in Corvette Racing’s Le Mans class win and title with the C8.R alongside Ben Keating and Nicky Catsburg.
“I’m very honored to be chosen by the WEC to take part within the Rookie Check at Bahrain,” he stated. “This has been an amazing yr with Corvette Racing. I couldn’t think about a greater yr on this championship.
“We managed to clinch the title early and win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which was our largest purpose going into this season. So, it’s unbelievable to have the prospect to drive the WEC championship-winning automobile in LMP2. That is one thing that may be very nice for me.
“Clearly I’m driving GTs however my purpose is Hypercar, so that is one other step ahead towards that for my profession. It is going to be cool to drive the LMP2, and I’m positive I’ll take pleasure in it. Thanks to the WEC and everybody for this chance.”
Lastly, 19-year-old Frenchman Antoine Doquin will drive the GTE Am-winning Corvette Racing C8.R. Doquin at present competes within the European Le Mans Sequence with Racing Spirit of Leman in LMP3 and gained the Asian Le Mans Sequence LMP3 title in 2022 with CD Sport.
Notably, his drive will happen the day after the ultimate aggressive race for GTE equipment, which can not function within the FIA WEC and ELMS from 2024 onwards.
“I’m desirous to get my first laps behind the wheel of a automobile from the FIA WEC,” he stated. “I want to categorical my gratitude to WEC and Corvette Racing for giving me this chance.
“It’s a supply of pleasure for me to know that I will probably be driving a automobile that has gained the championship in its class. After competing and profitable within the Michelin Le Mans Cup after which within the European Le Mans Sequence championships, that is the logical subsequent step in my endurance journey.
“I can’t wait to get there, to find the automobile, the staff, the monitor, and this distinctive surroundings.”
Frederic Lequien, the FIA WEC’s CEO added: “The FIA WEC has no scarcity of gifted drivers and the truth that Josh, Nicolas and Antoine have been picked is a testomony to the excessive degree of drivers we now have in each WEC and the ELMS.
“We’re at all times trying to nurture younger expertise in endurance racing and we now have seen up to now how helpful our rookie exams might be for drivers’ future careers. We sit up for seeing how all three of those people carry out behind the wheel in Bahrain.”
The total entry checklist for the official Rookie Check on Sunday 5 November will probably be launched sooner or later.
