LMP1: Successful debut for Fernando Alonso

Three LMP1 hybrids took part in five hours of testing sessions. Fernando Alonso, whose presence was announced just after the Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain, ran one of the Toyota TS050 HYBRIDs (the #8). The two-time Formula 1 world champion (2005 and 2006), assisted by Sébastien Buemi, seemed thrilled with this new experience after covering 113 laps (611km). "It was a great day. To test an LMP1 is always interesting for any driver because they are extraordinary to drive. They are consistent throughout the length of a stint, which is very positive. I had been wanting to test out such a car for a long time. I did it today and I'm very happy."

Thomas Laurent also discovered the Toyota TS050 HYBRID (the #7) and benefitted from invaluable advice from Mike Conway, official Toyota Gazoo Racing driver. The Jackie Chan DC Racing team member covered 31 laps. "I am really happy with how this morning turned out, to drive a Toyota LMP1 prototype is a dream turned reality. The car is just incredible: the downforce, the breaking, the acceleration with the additional power, it is all extremely impressive."

The third LMP1 was a Porsche 919 Hybrid taking the final laps of its career. Pietro Fittipaldi, 2017 Formula V8 3.5 World Series Champion, took the wheel for 32 laps, supported by 2017 World Endurance Champion Timo Bernhard. The Brazilian proved impressive and was even congratulated by Andreas Seidl, Team Principal of Porsche LMP Team.

LMP2: Five cars hit the track

One ORECA 07-Gibson for Vaillante Rebellion, winner of the 2017 FIA Endurance LMP2 trophy, was present at the Rookie Test. It was entrusted to Matevos Isaakyan, runner-up to Pietro Fittipaldi in the overall standings of the 2017 Formula V8 3.5. The Russian driver had yet to enjoy an LMP2 since he drove the Dallara P217 several times in the European Le Mans Series, even winning the Le Castellet round at the end of August.

Jackie Chan DC Racing tested two young drivers: Dutch driver Rinus van Kalmhout and the Canadian Garett Grist, assisted by Ho-Pin Tung. The team also took the opportunity to complete some developmental work for Cosworth. Konstantin Tereschenko drove TDS Racing's #28 ORECA 07-Gibson and Indian driver Mahaveer Raghunathan took the wheel of G-Drive Racing's #26 ORECA 07-Gibson. A second French driver was also in attendance, Gabriel Aubry. The Formula Renault 2.0 Europe competitor hit the track with Signatech Alpine Matmut's #36 Alpine A470-Gibson, mentored by none other than Nicolas Lapierre.

LMGTE Pro: Ferrari and Porsche on deck

AF Corse, winner of the 2017 FIA Endurance LMGTE Pro Teams trophy, handed over one of the Ferrari 488 GTEs (the #51) to Alfonso Celis, Jr., third in the overall standings of the 2017 Formula V8 3.5 World Series, as well as to Miguel Molina. Three other cars in the class completed development testing laps: the #71 Ferrari 488 GTE and the two 911 RSRs (the #91 and the #92) for Porsche GT Team, driven by Nick Tandy and Earl Bamber among others.

LMGTE Am: Olivier Beretta returns

Olivier Beretta, official Ferrari driver, was present at the Rookie Test to assist Japanese driver Ishikawa Motoaki at the wheel of Clearwater Racing's #61 488 GTE. The Monaco native has participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 21 times, winning the legendary race in GT (1999, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2011) with Chrysler and Corvette.

With the Rookie Test, the season has now officially come to a close, so now we are left to await impatiently the 2018/2019 Super Season as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans June 16-17, 2018.  .

Quotes from the FIA WEC website 

PHOTO: Thomas Laurent tests the Toyota TS050 HYBRID at the Rookie Test in Bahrain