Aston Martin Racing has announced that six of its Evolution Academy drivers will test the Vantage GTE at the final round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Bahrain, before the panel decides who will be offered a 2016 works team contract.
Dan Lloyd (GB), who helped Craft-Bamboo Racing secure the GT Asia Series championship title, will be joined by British GT Championship GT4 class-winners Ross Gunn (GB) and Jamie Chadwick (GB). The 24H Series GT4 class-winner Devon Modell will also take part, alongside British GT Championship GT3 stars Matt Bell (GB) and Jody Fannin (GB).
The Vantage GTE test in Bahrain will be a real challenge to the drivers, most of whom have never driven a GTE car before, but the team will be looking for more than just on-track pace from its 16- to 25-year old competitors.
“We’re looking to see what the Evolution Academy drivers have learned in our programme this year,” explained Aston Martin Racing’s Customer Programmes Manager Andrew Williamson. “Being an Aston Martin Racing works driver requires more than pace on track. We are looking for a future star who works well with our engineers to set-up the car, who prepares for events thoroughly and who represents our brand with the media.”
The ten Evolution Academy drivers have all had successful seasons, with five winning a national or international championship. Between races, they have attended workshops and seminars with Aston Martin Racing covering topics such as media and communications; engineering; fitness and nutrition; and simulator training.
“We are delighted with our finalists,” he concluded. “But it was no easy task choosing who would join us at the final round of the WEC. All ten of our 2015 competitors have impressed us this year and we are sure they all have fantastic futures ahead of them. We look forward to inviting our six finalists to Bahrain and announcing who will join us in our rapidly expanding works team programmes next year.”
The six finalists will join the Aston Martin Racing works team for the duration of the Six Hours of Bahrain race weekend before testing the Vantage GTE on Sunday 22 November, the day after the WEC race.
Note: Press release courtesy Aston Martin Racing.
