Kevin Magnuessen will test for Porsche's LMP1 World Endurance Championship team next month in Barcelona, although the team have played down the significance of the test in the wake of McLaren's decision to release the Dane.Porsche could be on the look out for a replacement driver for their third Le Mans entry after a potential clash between Formula One's European Grand Prix in Azerbaijan and the WEC's landmark event, the Le Mans 24 Hours, could rule out a return for Nico Hulkenberg.
However, Porsche insist they will continue to wait in case changes to the F1 calendar are made and the test is nothing more than an evaluation.
We are still hoping for a solution on the calendar and we have some [time] before we have to make a decision on Nico," said a spokesperson for the German manufacturer. "This is a general test at which we are giving some new guys a chance rather than a test because we are looking for a driver for the third car at Le Mans."
Joining Magnussen in Spain will be GP2 race winner Mitch Evans and fellow McLaren F1 tester Oliver Turvey, both of which drove for the Jota LMP2 team at this year's Le Mans 24 Hours.
"We decided to give three young drivers a chance to test the Porsche 919 Hybrid," said team principal Andreas Seidl. "The seat fit and simulator preparation is already done. We are looking forward to the test and will see what the future brings."
The young trio are not the only drivers who will get to sample the Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrid in November, with two time Indy 500 champion Juan Pablo Montoya set to get a run out in the car in Bahrain in the post-season finale test - which Evans will also participate in.
Montoya, who has also won the Monaco Grand Prix, is the driver best placed to emulate Graham Hill's historic triple-crown. Should he ever win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he will become only the second driver to win motorsport's three biggest events.
Montoya has reportedly expressed an interest in driving for the sports car outfit once his open wheel career is over. He currently has a year remaining on his IndyCar contract with Team Penske
Image: Dominik Wilde
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