GAYDON: 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. Testing will take place on Nov. 22 (today).

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 program this year,” explained Aston Martin Racing’s Customer Program 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.”