Pierson, who turned the youngest driver to compete on the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2022 on the age of simply 16, has been chosen as one of many three drivers by the WEC promoter to participate within the official post-season check on the Bahrain Worldwide Circuit on November 5.
The opposite two names nominated by Vehicle Membership de l’Ouest and the FIA are Corvette ace Nicolas Varrone and Antoine Doquin, who will pattern LMP2 and GT3 equipment respectively within the five-hour check session.
In a press release issued by WEC, it stated that the trio had been chosen primarily based on their “exemplary efficiency, race expertise and dedication all through the 2023 WEC/ELMS season.”
Pierson was chosen for the coveted Hypercar check probability after a powerful second season with United Autosports within the LMP2 class, scoring his second profession victory at Portimao along with Oliver Jarvis and Giedo van der Garde and bagging one other podium end at Spa.
With simply the bonus-points finale to run, he and Jarvis sit fourth within the championship on 85 factors, 16 factors behind Philip Hanson and Frederic Lubin in United’s sister #22 ORECA.
“I’m actually excited to get my first expertise in a Hypercar, particularly with a group like Toyota that’s skilled and passionate in regards to the sport,” stated the 17-year-old.
“I’m extraordinarily honoured and grateful to have been chosen for this and I’m actually trying 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 quite a lot of my development as a driver to them. I can’t wait to get began!”
#8 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota GR010 – Hybrid: Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, Ryo Hirakawa
Picture by: JEP / Motorsport Images
Varrone, in the meantime, has obtained the Bahrain check call-up after serving to Corvette clinch the GTE Am champions with two rounds to go at Monza.
Along with team-mates Ben Keating and Nicky Catsburg, the Corvette crew have won three of the six races so far, including the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Varrone will drive for whichever group finally ends up profitable the LMP2 title, with WRT more than likely to provide the Argentinian an opportunity in its #41 ORECA after extending its championship result in 33 factors with victory in Fuji earlier this month.
Varrone stated: “I am very honoured to be chosen by the WEC to take part within the Rookie Take a look at at Bahrain. This has been a fantastic 12 months with Corvette Racing. I could not think about a greater 12 months on this championship.
“We managed to clinch the title early and win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which was our greatest aim going into this season. So, it’s incredible to have the possibility 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 aim 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 am certain I’ll get pleasure from it. Thanks to the WEC and everybody for this chance.”
The ultimate WEC-nominated slot will go to Antoine Doquin, who will pattern the Corvette C8.R GTE Am automobile on the again of his sturdy leads to the European Le Mans Collection this 12 months with Racing Spirit of Leman group, which has seen him occupy second place within the standings with simply the ultimate three races throughout Spa and Portimao to run.
“I’m wanting to get my first laps behind the wheel of a automobile from the FIA WEC. I wish to specific my gratitude to WEC and Corvette Racing for giving me this chance,” he stated.
“It is a supply of delight for me to know that I will probably be driving a automobile that has received the championship in its class. After competing and profitable within the Michelin Le Mans Cup after which within the European Le Mans Collection championships, that is the logical subsequent step in my endurance journey.
“I am unable to wait to get there, to find the automobile, the group, the monitor, and this distinctive surroundings.”
The WEC stated the total driver line-up for the rookie check will probably be revealed sooner or later.