Peugeot confirms Rookie Test drivers

Peugeot Sport has revealed three drivers who will turn laps in a 9X8 Hypercar during this year's post-season FIA WEC Bahrain Rookie Test next month: Alex Quinn, Mathias Beche and Nick Cassidy.

For Quinn, an ELMS LMP2 Pro/Am and Asian Le Mans Series race winner with Algarve Pro Racing, and longstanding LMP driver Beche, it will be their first taste of the Hypercar formula.

“I’m looking forward to discovering the 9X8 in Bahrain,” said Quinn. “It’s something I’m very thankful to Peugeot Sport for. It will be a good challenge with lots to learn and understand within a short period, from my side.

“But I love a challenge and I am excited to help the team understand the car even more and take the next steps to the future. I expect I will be smiling a lot during the Rookie Test.”

Beche, who raced with PR1 in IMSA's LMP2 class this year and last appeared in the WEC’s top class back in the 2018-19 season at the tail end of the LMP1 era, added, “The main objective for this test will be, above all, to discover the 9X8 and familiarise myself with its specific characteristics, as well as that of the Hypercar category. It will be a learning phase, during which I hope to provide constructive feedback to the team. I am really looking forward to working with the team and the drivers.”

Former Super Formula and Super GT champion Cassidy, meanwhile, is using the Rookie Test as part of the build-up to his confirmed full-time seat with the French manufacturer in 2026.

“I’m excited to be joining the team in Bahrain after a first outing in Austin. It will be important to continue my preparations for 2026 and for the team to build on the final round of the season,” he said.

Prior to Peugeot’s announcement British talents Oliver Gray and Thomas Fleming were nominated to test in Bahrain by the FIA WEC. Newly crowned ELMS LMP2 champion Gray will turn laps in the title-winning car from Hypercar, while Fleming will test with the LMGT3 title winner.