American teenager Pierson lands Toyota Hypercar test in Bahrain

Josh Pierson, Nicolas Varrone and Antoine Doquin have been nominated by FIA WEC organizers for drives in the 2023 for end-of-season Rookie Test at the Bahrain International Circuit on Sunday, November 5th.

All three ‘Rookie’ drivers selected to take part will complete a minimum of 30 laps aboard the title-winning car in their designated category.

American teenager Josh Pierson (above), who has been competing with United Autosports in LMP2 the past two seasons, has been handed the opportunity to test the title-winning Toyota GR010 HYBRID.

The 17-year-old was the youngest Le Mans 24 Hours starter last year at age 16 and has two WEC LMP2 race wins to his name.

“I’m really excited to get my first experience in a Hypercar, especially with a team like Toyota that is experienced and passionate about the sport,” he said.

“I’m extremely honoured and grateful to have been selected for this and I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel. I’d also like to thank United Autosports, my co-drivers, and my driver coach, Stephen Simpson, as I owe a lot of my progression as a driver to them. I can’t wait to get started!”

The LMP2 nominee is 2023 GTE Am title winner Nico Varrone, who will drive the winning ORECA 07 Gibson. As the title hasn’t been decided, the Argentinian will not know if he will test with WRT, Inter Europol or United Autosports until the conclusion of the eight-hour season finale.

Varrone will test after a hugely impressive debut season in the WEC, playing a key role 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 selected by the WEC to participate in the Rookie Test at Bahrain,” he said. “This has been a great year with Corvette Racing. I couldn’t imagine a better year in this championship.