Ollie Gray selected for FIA WEC Bahrain Rookie Test

Rising British talent Ollie Gray has been chosen to take part in the prestigious FIA World Endurance Championship Rookie Test in Bahrain, marking an exciting new chapter in his racing journey. The opportunity sees Ollie join an elite line-up of emerging drivers set to showcase their skills on one of the sport’s biggest stages — a well-deserved recognition of his impressive season and growing presence in endurance racing.

Ollie Gray said:

I’m over-the-moon to be selected for this year’s Rookie Test,” he enthused. “The opportunity to drive the winning Hypercar is amazing, and it’s a step forward in my career as that’s where I want to be in the future (…) My long-term objective is to race in the top class in FIA WEC, so hopefully I can show what I’m made of in Bahrain and take a step closer to that goal!

Keep reading for more details about:

• What is the FIA WEC Rookie Test?
• A Milestone Moment in Ollie Gray’s Career
• Team Spirit: Fleming Also Gets the Call-up
• A Season of Growth and Grit
• What’s Next for Ollie Gray?
• The Final Challenge: Portimão Awaits
• Looking Ahead: A Promising Future in Endurance Racing

What is the FIA WEC Rookie Test?

The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Rookie Test is a special post-season event held in Bahrain, giving a select group of rising stars the chance to experience the world of top-tier endurance racing. Each year, teams across all categories, from GT3 and LMP2 right up to the flagship Hypercar class – invite talented young drivers to get behind the wheel of their cars and gain valuable experience within the WEC paddock.

It’s a rare opportunity for emerging talent to showcase their potential in front of leading teams, engineers, and decision-makers in the endurance world. For drivers like Ollie Gray, it’s a major step towards a future in long-distance racing, offering a first-hand taste of the teamwork, strategy, and precision that define the championship. Many former participants have gone on to secure full-time seats in WEC, making it a true career springboard for the sport’s next generation.

A Milestone Moment in Ollie Gray’s Career

Being selected for the FIA WEC Rookie Test marks a significant step forward in Ollie Gray’s racing journey. Chosen for his consistent performances, maturity behind the wheel, and ability to adapt across different racing formats, Ollie has earned the chance to join an elite roster of drivers recognised for their potential. The line-up features some of motorsport’s most promising names, each representing the future of endurance racing. For Ollie, this opportunity is not just a test, it’s validation of his hard work throughout the season and a key moment that could shape the next phase of his career on the international stage.

Team Spirit: Fleming Also Gets the Call-up

Adding to the excitement, Fleming has also been selected to take part in the FIA WEC Bahrain Rookie Test, marking another proud moment for the team. His call-up, alongside Ollie Gray, underlines the strength of their collective performances this season and the team’s ability to nurture young, ambitious talent.

Both drivers have demonstrated impressive growth and consistency throughout the year, earning recognition from those at the top level of endurance racing. It’s a moment that celebrates not just individual achievement, but the shared effort, dedication, and team spirit that have defined their journey so far.

A Season of Growth and Grit for Ollie Gray

The 2025 season has been a defining one for Ollie Gray, showcasing both his speed and resilience on track. His standout performance at Silverstone, where he set the fastest lap of the race and maintained a commanding lead despite multiple red flag interruptions, highlighted his composure and confidence under pressure. Competing with VDS Panis Racing, who currently lead the championship, Ollie has proven himself to be one of the most consistent and determined drivers on the grid.

One of the season’s biggest storylines came at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Ollie and his teammates led the race for the majority of the event, a remarkable feat in itself. Heartbreak struck in the final 20 minutes with a suspension failure, forcing the team to settle for a still-impressive second place. But their response was immediate and emphatic: back-to-back victories at Imola and Spa showed their fighting spirit and cemented Ollie’s reputation as a driver capable of bouncing back stronger than ever.

The Final Challenge: Portimão Awaits

As the season reaches its climax, Ollie Gray and VDS Panis Racing head into the final round at Portimão with everything on the line. After an incredible run of form, including victories at Imola and Spa – the team now sit at the top of the championship standings, with just one race left to determine who will take home the title. Portimão’s sweeping corners, blind crests, and relentless pace make it one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar, and it’s the perfect stage for a season finale filled with intensity and high stakes.

For Ollie, this race represents the culmination of a year defined by growth, consistency, and determination. Every lap, every pit stop, and every split-second decision will count as the team fights to secure the championship crown. The atmosphere will be electric – a blend of pressure, excitement, and pride as the entire VDS Panis squad rally behind one shared goal. A win in Portimão wouldn’t just seal the title; it would be the ultimate reward for months of relentless hard work, heartbreak, and comeback performances. For Ollie, it’s more than just the final race – it’s the defining moment of an extraordinary season.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future in Endurance Racing

As Ollie Gray prepares for the FIA WEC Rookie Test in Bahrain, all eyes turn to what could be one of the most defining moments of his career so far. Taking place just after the WEC season finale, the test brings together some of the world’s most promising young talents, each hand-picked to demonstrate their potential in front of the top teams, engineers, and decision-makers in endurance racing. For Ollie, it’s a rare opportunity to step into the world of elite multi-class competition and gain valuable experience in one of motorsport’s most technically demanding environments.

The Bahrain Rookie Test is not just about pace; it’s about adaptability, consistency, and communication – qualities that Ollie has refined throughout his 2025 campaign with VDS Panis Racing. His ability to perform under pressure, lead races, and bounce back from setbacks has earned him this prestigious invitation, placing him alongside a select group of drivers seen as the future of the sport.

For Ollie, the test serves as both recognition and a springboard. It’s a chance to learn from factory teams, build relationships within the WEC paddock, and show that he belongs among the next generation of endurance stars. With his strong record across circuits like Le Mans, Imola, and Spa, this milestone comes as the perfect next step – a moment that blends experience, ambition, and opportunity in equal measure.

After a season filled with growth, grit, and podiums, Bahrain feels like the natural continuation of his journey, a test that could open the door to even greater things ahead. Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: Ollie Gray’s name is one to watch in the world of endurance racing.

A season to remember – and a future to watch.

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