On the provisional list issued today there is representation from all four classes of competition, including the three LMP manufacturers, Audi, Porsche and Toyota. As previously announced, three drivers who have been selected by the Promoter for showing great potential will get a taste of the cutting-edge hybrid technology which has thrilled fans throughout the year.

They are Richie Stanaway (Audi R18 e-tron quattro), Mitch Evans (Porsche 919 Hybrid) and Sam Bird (Toyota TS040 HYBRID).

Also testing the Porsche, as hinted at during his recent visit to Lone Star Le Mans in Texas, will be former F1, NASCAR and Indycar superstar Juan Pablo Montoya. The Colombian has this week been in Stuttgart for a seat-fitting so he will be ready for his first LMP laps in Bahrain.

A two-time winner in the LMP1 Private Teams section of LMP1, Team ByKolles will also be testing new drivers in its CLM P1/01 AER.

In the LMP2 class, five teams are currently planning to be testing potential drivers for the 2016 season. Signatech Alpine’s A450B-Nissan will feature young French-born British driver, Matthew Rao, while Strakka Racing will welcome Scotsman Lewis Williamson who has had huge success in junior single-seaters. Joining these two teams will be Team SARD Morand, AF Racing – which is making its debut in the WEC in the 6 Hours of Bahrain – and KCMG.

Two Porsche Team Manthey 911 RSRs will be present for the team, and alongside them in the LMGTE categories will be three Aston Martin Vantage V8s. No drivers have yet been confirmed for these entries.

The final entry list for the test, which will run be from 10:00 am to Midday and 1:00 – 4:00 pm, will be announced on Tuesday 10th November.