Pearson, who at just 16 years old became the youngest driver to compete in the 2022 Le Mans 24 Hours, has been selected by the WEC promoter as one of three drivers to take part in the official post-season rookie test. Bahrain International Circuit on November 5th.
The other two named by the Automobile Club de l’Occident and the FIA are Corvette ace Nicolas Varone and Antoine Dokan, who will sample LMP2 and GT3 cars respectively in a five-hour test session.
The trio was selected based on their “exemplary performance, racing skill and dedication throughout the 2023 WEC/ELMS season,” the WEC said in a statement.
Pearson was selected for the coveted hypercar testing opportunity after two strong seasons in the LMP2 class with United Autosport, taking his second career win at Portimao alongside Oliver Jarvis and Giedo van der Garde. He also achieved a podium finish at Spa.
With only a bonus point final game in Bahrain remaining, he and Jarvis are fourth in the Championship with 85 points, 16 points behind Philippe Hansson and Frederic Rubin in United’s sister car #22 Oreca. .
The now 17-year-old said: “I’m really excited to get my first experience in a hypercar, especially with a team like Toyota that is so experienced and passionate about hypercars.”
“I am extremely honored and grateful to have been selected and am really looking forward to getting behind the wheel.
“I would also like to thank United Autosports, my co-drivers and my driver coach Stephen Simpson. I owe much of my progress as a driver to them.” I can’t wait to get started! ”
#8 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota GR010 – Hybrid: Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, Ryo Hirakawa
Photo courtesy: JEP / Motorsport Images
Meanwhile, Vallone was called up to test in Bahrain after helping Corvette win the GTE Am championship in the remaining two races at Monza.
Along with teammates Ben Keating and Nicky Catsburg, the Corvette crew has won three of the six races to date, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Vallone will drive whichever team wins the LMP2 title, but WRT, who extended their championship lead to 33 points with victory at Fuji earlier this month, will have the Argentine drive the No. 41 Oreca. Most likely to give you a chance.
“I am very honored to have been selected by the WEC to participate in their rookie test in Bahrain,” said Vallone. “This has been a great year for Corvette Racing. I couldn’t imagine a better year in this championship.
“We were able to win the title early on and win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. That was our biggest goal heading into this season. So we took the WEC championship winning car to LMP2. It’s great to have the opportunity to drive in. This is great.” That’s great for me.
“Of course I drive a GT, but my goal is a hypercar. So this is another step towards that for my career. It would be cool to drive an LMP2 and I’m sure I think it will be fun. I would like to thank WEC and everyone for this opportunity. ”
The final spot in the WEC went to Dokan, who performed well with the Racing Spirit of Lemans team in this year’s European Le Mans Series, finishing second and driving a Corvette C8.R GTE car. I’ll be taking a sample test drive. He will be in the standings with three races left.
“I look forward to enjoying my first laps behind the wheel of an FIA WEC car. I would like to thank WEC and Corvette Racing for giving me this opportunity,” he said.
“Knowing that I will be driving a car that has won a championship in its category is a source of pride for me. After competing in and winning the Michelin Le Mans Cup and the European Le Mans Series Championship, this is the natural next step in my endurance journey.
“I can’t wait to get there and discover the car, the team, the track and this unique environment.”
The full driver lineup for the WEC Rookie Test will be announced soon.