Sacha Fenestraz will get his first taste of an FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar in just over a week’s time, when he takes to the track during the series’ annual Rookie Test in Bahrain (9 November) alongside Ben Barnicoat in TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s multiple title-winning GR010 Hybrid.
Taking place the day after the season-closing Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain – a race in which Toyota has triumphed for the past six seasons in a row, as well as four times prior to that in its six-hour guise – the five hours of running around Bahrain International Circuit offer drivers an opportunity to gain experience and showcase their skills in Hypercar and LMGT3 machinery.
Englishman Barnicoat is already well-versed in the latter, having clinched the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD Pro category crown behind the wheel of a Lexus RC F. He drives the same car for Akkodis ASP Team in FIA WEC, achieving a best finish thus far of fourth in the 2025 Qatari curtain-raising contest.
The 28-year-old similarly participated in the Rookie Test for Toyota last year, whereas for Fenestraz, the day will mark his Hypercar debut. The French-Argentine ace made 33 Formula E starts between 2022 and 2024, posting the fastest lap in the championship’s history when he secured pole position for the Cape Town E-Prix in 2023.
Fenestraz currently participates in both the Super Formula and Super GT series in Japan for Toyota-affiliated outfits. He was a winner last time out at Fuji in the former with Vantelin Team TOM’S, and sits fifth in the standings in the latter for TGR Team SARD, having claimed two podium finishes to-date this season.
“I’m excited to be taking part in my first-ever Hypercar experience – a real milestone in my racing career,” the 26-year-old enthused. “Driving on the iconic Bahrain International Circuit for the very first time will make this moment even more special. Competing in an FIA WEC prototype has always been a dream of mine, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
“The preparation with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has gone smoothly. We have completed a half-day simulator session to get ready for the test, and I’ve studied the driver manuals to familiarise myself with the various steering wheel functions. My background in Formula E and Super Formula proved valuable in quickly understanding the systems, but this session was still a crucial step in adapting to both the car and the track.
“The Hypercar’s driving characteristics differ significantly from what I’m used to in Super Formula. With slightly lower downforce, the car tends to understeer in high-speed corners, and braking requires a more measured approach. However, features like traction control and the hybrid system offer great support in maximising performance. I’m looking forward to making the most of this incredible experience.”
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