F1: Post Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Young Drivers Test results

Y’all remember that test outing from last December, Don’t Yuhs?

 

Now that IMSA’s “Super bowl” 24 Hours of Daytona is somewhat in our rear view mirrors. And NASCAR Fans are getting wound-up over the impending Cookout clash, or whatever it’s called? And the impending Day-toner’ 500.

 

Lost in all of the Hubbub, is the fact that Formula One’s currently testing behind closed doors in Barcelona. Before a pair of three-day tests take place at Bahrain in February. Followed by the season opening Australian Grand Prix on March 8th.

 

Thus, suppose its time to shift gears and begin focusing upon Open Wheel Racing, Eh? Since after all this Blog is called No Fenders. Which I scribble about occasionally, Chuh-ching!

 

Yet as always, your Haggard, Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso is behind thoust proverbial 8-ball! Definitely at least one lap down…

 

Garnering almost zero Attenzione, especially with last year’s title decider Showdown. Nonetheless, the yearly post Abu Dhabi Young Guns test results always intrigues me.

 

A total of twenty-five drivers took part. With teams allowed to run current Grands Prix drivers in their 2026 “Mule” Car, in order to finalize Pirelli tyre compounds for next year.

While the second chassis was the 2025 specification, allotted to drivers who’ve only participated in a maximum of two Grands Prix.

 

As the top five positions were held by Formula 1 “Young Guns”, albeit due to the 2026 Mule chassis designed to be slower then the contemporary racecars…

 

Bosom Buddies George Russell (Mercedes) and Max Verstappen, (Red Bull) along with both Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll didn’t participate. With the other current 10 F1 teams splitting morning and afternoon sessions driving duties between their current two drivers.

 

Once again, Pato Who? Was seventh quickest overall, Ahem Mark Miles, cough-cough! Although who knows what testing programme Pato was carrying out, eh?

 

Rookies/Young Gun Drivers

(Overall position/Driver/Team)

1) Jack Crawford, Aston Martin

2) Paul Aron, Sauber/Audi

3) Luke Browning, Williams

4) Frederick Vesti, Mercedes

5) Ayumu Iwasa, Red Bull

7) Pato O’Ward, McLaren

8) Ryo Hirakawa, Haas

9) Dino Beganovic, Ferrari

17) Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls

22) Kush Maini, Alpine

 

Mercedes Kimi Antonelli was quickest of the regular season F1 drivers, in sixth place. (+1.404) With McLaren’s Oscar Piastri rounding out the Top 10. (+2.333)

 

Positions P11-15 were filled out by Lewis Hamilton, (Ferrari) Lando Norris, (McLaren) Alex Albon, (Williams) Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Carlos Sainz. (Williams)

 

Although I wouldn’t “read” too much into the results, especially with the Haas’s of Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon some four and seven-plus seconds behind. Which surely won’t be the case come March in Melbourne…

 

2025 F1 Post Abu Dhabi Test results

 

Once again, the lone Yank’ on the grid was Jack Crawford, having finished runner-up to Leonardo Fornaroli in the 2025 Formula 2 Championship, driving for Dams Lucas Oil. Set to become Aston Martin’s latest reserve driver this season. As Felipe Drugovich departs for a Formula E race seat at Andretti Global for the 2025-26 season.

 

Frederik Vesti continues racing as Cadillac Whelen Engineering’s “third” endurance driver. Aboard the No. 31 Cadd-Oh-Lac’ V-Serioes.R IMSA GTP racecar. Alongside Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken, Earl Bamber and Connor Zilisch.

 

As 19yr old teenager NASCAR Cup rookie Zilisch was making His IMSA GTP Rolex 24 debut. Having won both the Rolex 24 and 12 Hours of Sebring in LMP2 in 2024 driving for Era Motorsport.

 

Aitken, who made one Grand Prix start for Williams in Bahrain, 2020. Had His pole winning time deleted. As the car was disqualified for its rear skid block falling underneath the minimum clearance allowance and started P11.

 

Aitken got off to a rocky start. Given a Drive-thru penalty for jumping an early race’s full course caution. But redeemed Himself nicely over the race’s final hour’s stint. Hounding Felipe Nasr for the win, coming up just a scant 1.569 seconds short of victory!

 

Red Bull’s newest Circus Maximus’ (Verstappen) “wingman” Isack Hadjar made His debut for the Big Bulls’, presumably getting up to speed. Since I’d like to not read too much into His P21 result, +3.749 seconds adrift…

 

Meanwhile, Newbie’ Arvid Lindblad, who’s made FP session outings for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls in 2025, tested fir Racing Bulls, where the 18 year old will be the only rookie on this year’s F1 Grid.

 

Of the ten Young Guns participating, only three were new “recruits”. With the appropriately named Dino Beganovic at la Scuderia, and Kush Maini at Alpine. Along with the aforementioned Lindblad.

 

21yr old Swede’ Beganovic made His Formula 2 debut at season’s end, alongside Jack Craford at DAMS Lucas Oil.

 

For 2025, He switched to Hitech TGR, as teammate to Luke Browning. Beganovic scored His maiden pole position at Imola, and captured His first F2 win during the Baku Sprint race.

 

Dino is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, having joined in 2020. Making His Formula 1 debut at Barcelona, last January aboard an SF23. Before making His (Free Practice) FP session debut at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix.

 

A further FP outing occurred at Spielberg, before completing 122 laps during the post Abu Dhabi GP test. While Dino’s “Day Job” for 2026 will be racing for DAMS Lucas Oil in F2.

 

Kush Maini is the younger brother of Arjun Maini; Santino Ferrucci’s Bosom Buddy! As Maini became a member of the Alpine Driver Academy in 2023. Getting His first crack behind the wheel of a Formula 1 racecar at Spielberg, driving an Alpine A522.

 

Further test outings followed, before joining the logjam of test and reserve drivers for Alpine last year. Then at Abu Dhabi, He drove a current Alpine A525 for the first time, running 128 laps.

 

Maini has made 81 starts in Formula 2, with two wins, seven podiums and one pole. And will contest His fourth F2 season this year for ART Grand Prix. 

ROLEX 24: GTP preview, Can Porsche “Three-peat” this January?

As we’ll All find out in another 24 hours…

 

All of the IMSA GTP prototypes have been upgraded this year, most extensively the BMW, in hopes of dethroning Porsche. Which I’ll leave to Racer to do the “Heavy” lifting…

 

Manufacturers prepare revised GTP cars for IMSA Daytona test

 

The above article was posted on Racer.com, which refuses to update its website to comply with current Web Content Accessibility Guideline standards. Specifically WCAG 2.2 to enable ease of access for Blind or Visually Impaired readers.

 

BMW

BMW M Hybrid V-8

Engine: 4.0-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

Team: BMW M Team WRT

#24 Sheldon van der Linde, Dries Vanthoor, Robin Frijns and Rene Rast

#25 Philipp Eng, Marco Whittmann, Kevin Magnussen and Raffale Marciello

 

While the BMW team lineups remain unchanged, albeit with the drivers having been rotated between the two entries. The big news is that after 16 years, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLLR) was dropped as BMW’s service provider. With the Bavarian marque switching to WRT, who were running just the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) programme last year.

 

The Belgian W Racing Team, better known as WRT was founded in 2009 by former VW Motorsports Boss Rene Verbist, Vincent Vosse and Yves Veerts.

 

The team has won multiple championships and races, and is one of Europe’s premiere GT race teams. Competing also in the GT World Challenge Europe and the Intercontinental GT Challenge, series. Having won the title last year with Kelvin van der Linde and some Cat known as thee Doctor’, aka Valentino Rossi! While Rossi also competes for WRT in the GT World Challenge Europe series.

 

As could we see Rossi contesting the Rolex 24 one day in the future?

 

PORSCHE

Porsche 963

Engine: 4.6-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

Team: Porsche Penske Motorsport

#6 Kevin Estr, Laurens Vanthoor and Mat Campbell

#7 Felipe Nasr, Julien Andlauer and Laurin Heinrich

 

The big news for Porsche Penske Motorsports was the surprising decision to drop reigning IMSA Prototypes champion Mathieu Jaminet completely. While Matt Campbell gets shuffled to a supporting cast role, as the No. 6’s Michelin endurance cup rounds only. Meaning neither driver gets the chance to defend their championship.

 

And the Blood letting runs deeper, with Nick Tandy, winner of last’s year’s Rolex 24 being dropped from the team! Effectively being swapped with new “Endurance Specialist” Laurin Heinrich, who graduates from His 2024 GTD Pro Championship winning campaign with AO Racing, with Tandy taking over Heinrich’s seat in AO Racing’s “Rexi” Porsche 911.

 

All of this follows the “winding Up” of Porsche’s World Endurance Championship programme.

 

  Kevin Estr and Laurens Vanthoor continue together in the No. 6 entry, as the pair won the FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar title in 2024. While Mathieu Jaminet, who along with Campbell won the IMSA GTP Prototypes title last year in the same car, has joined the Genesis FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar team this season.

 

Julien Andlauer steps up to a full season drive alongside Felipe Nasr, the only holdover from last year’s full season IMSA Porsche drivers. As Andlauer is another of the Porsche WEC Werks’ drivers moving to IMSA this year.

 

Interestingly, both ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin and Josef Schlick’ Newgarden participated in the Daytona IMSA test last November behind the wheel of the team’s two Porsche 963’s, but won’t contest this year’s Rolex 24…

 

Although subsequently, I learned via DXDT Racing’s website that McLaughlin had joined their Michelin Endurance Cup effort, and will drive the team’s No. 36 Corvette Z06 GT3.R entry in the GT Daytona (GTD) class.

 

Meanwhile, the Porsche Penske Motorsports No. 7 and Nasr are the defending Rolex 24 winners, seeking a third consecutive w’ this weekend.

 

Team: JDC-Miller Motorsports

#85 Tijmen van der Helm, Bryce Aron and Nico Pino

 

Tijmen van der Helm and Bryce Aron return from last year’s campaign. Whilst Nico Pino who previously drove for Proton Competition moves over to JDC-Miller Motorsports this year. Whom I’m guessing will be the team’s “Endurance Specialist”.

 

As JDC-Miller Motorsports continues racing the only privateer Porsche 963 entry, albeit Proton Competition wishes to return to IMSA GTP competition in the near future… 

ROLEX 24: A trio of the GTP Grid’s Contendahs’

But we’ll have to wait a further 48 Hours to find out whose this year’s winner…

 

Without further Adu, here’s a triumvirate of IMSA GTP Class entrants. (In alphabetical order)

 

ACURA

Acura ARX-06

Engine: 2.4-litre V-6 Twin Turbo

Team: Meyer Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian

#60 Tom Blomqvist, Colin Brown, Scott Dixon and A.J. Allmendinger

#93 Renger van der Zande, Nick Yelloly, Alex Palou and Kakunoshin Ohta

 

Meyer Shank Racing continues as Acura’s GTP Factory entry, with one driver change amongst it’s eight Pilotes.

 

The “lead” No. 60 MSR entry again features Tom “The Bomb” Blomqvist and Colin Brown as it’s full season drivers.

 

Blomqvist and Brown were the 2023 IMSA GTP Prototypes champions, along with winning that year’s Rolex 24 for Acura. The team’s and Acura’s latest win, which surely must seem like a long time ago now, Eh?

 

Scotty thee Iceman 2.0’ Dixon returns as the No. 60’s Endurance “Specialist”. Whilst the Ohio based squad “Plug’s ‘n Play” with the return of the Dinger’, a la A.J. Allmendinger. Getting what I believe is His debut aboard the Acura ARX-06 GTP racecar, replacing Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) who raced last year.

 

As the No. 60 entry’s loaded for Bear, with a total of seven Rolex winner’s wristwatches behind it’s keyboard. As MSR aims for it’s fourth Rolex 24 win. Having won in 2012 and 2022-2023.

 

The “second” No. 93 entry remains unchanged with  Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly for the full season. Attacking Daytona’s High Banks with assistance again from Cheeps’ IndyCar multi-times Champions Alex Palou! Along with Kakunoshin Ohta.

 

As Ohta, who competes in Super GT and Super formula, drove for MSR at Daytona, Watkins Glen and Indianapolis last year.

 

Aston Martin

Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH

Engine: 6.5-litre normally aspirated V-12

Team: Aston Martin THOR Valkyrie

#23 Roman De Angelis, Ross Gunn and Alex Riberas

 

Aston Martin makes it’s Rolex 24 IMSA GTP prototypes debut with The Heart Of Racing. (THOR) As this shrieking, I said speak up sonny! Normally aspirated Cosworth V-12 lump’ is a definite Fan favourite!

 

As Racer’s Marshall Pruett “Dropped” this exclusive recording of an ‘Ol school 6.5-litre normally aspirated glorious sounding V-12 motor getting a proper workout on Daytona’s 3.56-mile road course during testing over a year ago…

 

MP1569: Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH In-Car at Daytona

 

Having made it’s competition debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring with a single entry. Aston Martin then ran two Valkyrie AMR-LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) entries at last year’s 24 Heurs du Mans, with both cars finishing P12 and P14.

 

Fast forward to last October’s Petit Le mans, where the No. 23 Valkyrie claimed it’s maiden podium, with an excellent second place finish, with the same three drivers. And who knows how the Valkyrie will fair in it’s maiden Rolex 24? Being the only LMH entry to contest IMSA GTP…

 

CADILLAC

Cadillac V-Series.R

Engine: 5.5-litre normally aspirated V-8

Team: Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing

#10 Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque and Will Stevens

#40 Jordan Taylor, Louis Deletraz and Colton Herta

 

As previously noted, Wayne Taylor has a long, successful relationship with Cadd-Oh-lac’. Having won multiple Rolex 24 and IMSA SportsCar Championship titles with them.

 

As Wayne Taylor Racing )WTR) has won the Rolex 24 with Cadillac machinery three times in the past decade, i.e.; 2017 and 2019-2020.

 

The driver roster remain largely intact from last year’s WTR lineups. Although K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi, who’s won two Rolex wristwatches with WTR. Along with Bad Arse Sports Car Ace Brendan Hartley have both been dropped from WTR this year.

 

The “Big” news is that Cadillac F1 Development Driver and Formula 2 racer Colton Herta becomes the No. 40’s “Endurance Specialist”, slated to race at Daytona, Sebring and Petit le Mans, when not busy with His “Day Jobs” across thoust gory Puddle.

 

As both WRT entries will slim down to just three drivers rotation this January. While WTR seeks it’s fifth outright victory since 2017. Having “Three-peated” between 2019-2021 with Cadillac and Acura, before returning to General Motors luxury brand last year.

 

Team: Cadillac Whelen Action Express Racing

#31 Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, Frederik Vesti and Connor Zilisch

 

Although officially known as Whelen Cadillac, it’s run by Action Express Racing. (AXR)

 

Earl Bamber and Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken continue their fulltime season IMSA GTP campaign. Along with Frederik Vesti running the endurance rounds, for a second, straight year.

 

The trio’s joined by rising NASCAR Star Connor Zilisch, making His Rolex 24 debut. As Zilisch, who finished runner-up in the Xfinity series last year with 10 wins. Replaces Aston Martin F1 reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, who raced at Daytona last year.

 

As AXR’s latest Rolex 24 win came Wayback in 2018! With the team having three Rolex 24 victories overall, i.e.; 2010, 2014 and 2018. Whilst Cadillac hasn’t won since 2020, which is a very long time ago… 

IMSA Interlopers Flock to Le Mans

As nearly the entire IMSA GTP throng is schlepping across thoust Bloody Puddle…

 

Following the Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic race. According to IMSA Sports Car writer John Oreo’ Oreovicz, Thars’ a total of 18 out of 22 IMSA GTP drivers from the previous Detroit round contesting this year’s 93rd 24 Heurs du Mans. Which took awhile, but I did manage to find All of these IMSA GTP drivers

 

Hypercar

The No. 4 Porsche Penske Motorsport teams “third” Porsche 963 is comprised of Felipe Nasr, Nick Tandy and reigning Formula E Champion Pascal Wehrlein, making His Le Mans debut.

 

As Tandy and Nasr currently lead the IMSA GTP championship by some 70 markers over Porsche Penske Motorsport No. 6 IMSA teammates Mathieu Jaminet and Matt Campbell. With Jaminet joining Penske’s No. 5 Porsche 963 lineup, and Campbell in the No. 6 Porsche 963 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) entry. With Penske fielding three Werks’ 963 Panzwrwagens once again.

 

Cadillac WTR sees Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) running the No. 101 for the Taylor Brothers, i.e.; Jordan and Ricky, joined by longtime WTR driver Filipe Albuquerque aboard the Cadillac V-Series.r entry adorned in the classic Mobil 1 livery.

 

Action Express Racing’s (AXR) Whelen Engineering brings their Cadd-Oh-lac’ V-Series.R prototype to the Le Mans party. With Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken, Felipe Drugovich and Frederik Vesti at the controls of the No. 311 Caddy’.

 

Werks’ BMW Hotschues’ Dries Vanthorr and Sheldon van der Linde will be aboard the BMW M8 Hybrid Nos. 15 & 20 respectively.

 

Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis, pilotes’ of the only current FIA WEC Hypercar competing in IMSA GTP. Sees Gunn and De Angelis in the Aston Martin Thor Team’s #007 and #009 Aston Martin Valkyrie’s respectively.

 

Earl Bamber who co-drives with Aitken in IMSA GTP, also races for Hertz Cadillac Team Jota in WEC. As the Kiwi’ will join le Hamburgular’, nee Sealmeister B’, aka SeaBass or simply Sebastien Bourdais and Bloody Jense’, ergo 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button behind the wheel of the team’s No. 38 entry.

 

LMP2

The United Autosport #22 entry sees former IndyCar driver Pietro Fittipaldi joined by IMSA’s Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) Acura prototype driver Renger van der Zande and David Heinemeier.

 

The No. 24 Nielsen Racing entry sees MSR Acura prototype driver Colin Brown joined by fellow Yank’ Maveen Rao and Turkey’s Cem Bolukbasi.

 

Inter Europol Competition’s No. 34 Oreca 07 Gibson IMSA entry features Nick Boulle, former Dale Coyne Racing IndyCar driver Luca ghiotto and Jean-Baptist Simmenauer.

 

With the Seester’ #43 entry seeing the third MSR Acura IMSA GTP Hotschue’ Nick Yelloly at it’s controls. Partnered by Tom dillman and Jakub Smiechowski.

 

Rounding out MSR’s quartet of Acura IMSA GTP pilotes, Tom “The Bomb” Blomqvist is entered in the No. 37 CLX – Pure Rxcing entry. With co-drivers Tristan Turbo’ Vautier and Alex Malykhin.

 

IMSA competitor’s Algarve Pro Racing’s No. 45 fields a strong Pro Am lineup with Nicky Catsburg, George Kurtz and Alex Quinn behind the keyboard.

 

Another strong Pro Am entry is the #199 AO by TF entry with Dane Cameron, Lous Deletraz and team owner P. J. Hyett.

 

As the Pro Am Cup is a race inside a race of LMP2 competitors. With the Pro Am (Professional Amateur) driver lineup consisting of one Bronze rated driver.

 

LMGT3

Oh Kanaduh’s AWA Racing IMSA Corvette Z06 GT3.R #13 entry sees Matt Bel, Orey Fidani and Lars Kern behind the wheel.

 

The NO. 33 TF Sport Corvette Z06 racecar sees longtime IMSA “Gentleman” driver Ben Keating at the controls, alongside Daniel Juncadella and Johny Edgar, not Winter, Hya!

 

“Union Jack” Hawksworth returns to the Akkodis ASP #78 Lexus RC F GT3 entry, teamed with Finn gehrsitz and Arnold Robin.

 

And that’s just what I found during my initial cursory look over this year’s 24 Heurs du Mans entry list, which naturally is subject to change.

 

But it’s good knowing that IMSA is so well represented once again, as you’ll definitely need a scorecard to keep track of everybody! 

RETRO: IMSA Racecars from A past Horse track

Although these Prototype “Horses” ran far faster than Seabiscuit…

 

Having tuned into nearly 15 hours of this year’s Rolex 24. I’m reminded of how far IMSA has come from it’s initial GTP era. Which I suppose you could say that Dan Gurney’s All conquering Eagle MKIII “Four-banger” prototype killed…

 

Following reading Laura Hillenbrand’s most excellent book Seabiscuit: An American Legacy last December, which I chronicled in the following No Fender tome.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2025/01/when-horse-outweighed-horsepower.html

 

This shot me down another Wabbit’ Hole regarding my one and only visit to Del Mar’s 1.6-mile temporary “Stadium” race course. Which I only have two vague memories of now. That being those Jaguar XJR-10’s turbo chirpiness! And taking a picture of that beautiful looking gold and white Miller Highlife Busby Racing BFGoodrich Porsche 962.

 

Comparing ‘n contrasting the 1989 Del Mar race held in the Fairgrounds parking lot vs. the upcoming 12 Hours of Sebring’s IMSA GTP field sees virtually the same number of GTP entries; 14 vs. 13 Also being a split of normally aspirated and turbocharged motors. With eight Camel Lights vs. a dozen or less LMP2 entrants.

 

Yet I suppose you could say the stakes are higher today, with virtually no privateer entries. Just the lone $2.9m Proton Competition customer Porsche 963 vs. six customer entries Wayback’ when…

 

Camel Grand Prix of Southern California

IMSA GT Championship

Date: October 22, 1989

Duration: 2 Hours

Round 20 of 20

 

Entrants

Porsche 962C; (4) Spice SE89P; (4) Jaguar XJR-10; (2) Nissan GTP ZX-T; (2) 1 All American Racers Eagle HF89 (1)  and one unheard of ALBA AR9 Buick = 14 total GTP entries, with a further eight Lights Prototypes in the “mix” = 22 total entries

 

Race Highlights

The race was broadcast on ESPN with Bruce Flanders and John Morton in the Booth. Whilst it was funny hearing Chris Economaki trying to make something out of nothing over the young Wayne Taylor’s “Shock” pole position during the pre-race preamble. As Economaki couldn’t get Geoff Brabham to bite, with the Aussie’ saying He wasn’t surprised at all by the Spice’s being on the front row…

 

(Chris Economaki and Ralph Sheheen were the Pit reporters)

 

Taylor, then 33yrs old, claimed pole with His Spice SE89P Pontiac Firebird 5.4-litre V-8. While Bob Earl aboard a Spice SE89P with a 6.0-litre Chevrolet V-8 lined up alongside Taylor, seeing Spice lock-out the front row.

 

Spice Engineering ran two of it’s Factory SE89P Pontiac Firebird racecars for the aforementioned Wayne Taylor, in the No. 34. Who was apparently paired with Scott Atchison, albeit no idea if the latter actually raced? As Taylor led from the “Get go” for the first 22-laps? Before Earl passed Him for the lead. Before Taylor’s Pontiac Done Blown Up! As ‘Ol Hobbo’, nee HobsCapp’, aka David Hobbs would say…

 

The Seester’ #33 Spice Engineering entry was driven by Costas Los, Say Who? Retiring on lap-69 due to an accident.

 

Jeff Kline drove a “Ex Works” Koll Motorsports privateer Spice Pontiac entry, finishing an unheralded P16.

 

Whilst the best of the Spice entries was Bob Earl, who started second, led for awhile before ultimately finishing third overall, driving for Jim Miller Racing.

 

Electramotive Engineering’s All conquering Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo’s had already ended Porsche’s reign by winning the 1989 IMSA GT Manufacturers Championship with ten wins; six for its No. 83 and four for its NO. 84. With the driver title up for grabs between Geoff Brabham and Nissan teammate Chip Robinson.

 

As Brabham and Robinson had scored six W’s together, with Brabham netting a further three solo vs. robinson’s one win. With Robinson leading the points battel 219 to 215 entering Del Mar.

 

Brabham started third and led late into the race before erring on the side of caution over a braking issue, finishing runner-up and claiming the Drivers title. While Robinson’s race had gone up in “smoke!” Chasing Brabham all race long after starting sixth. Robinson snapped a driveshaft on lap-59, ending His championship hopes.

 

Four privateer Porsche 962C’s contested the race, with a brace of Joest Racing cars entered for Jean-Lous Ricci and Henri Pescarolo in the #0, and Frank Jelinski in the “Double buckshot”. (#00)

 

Whilst my Home town Bayside Racing’s No. 86 Panzerwagen with Jochen Mass at its keyboard was the highest finisher in fifth, one place ahead of the #0 Joest.

 

The No. 67 Busby Racing Porsche 962C that won that year’s 24 Hours of Daytona, saw Bob Wollek and John Andretti finishing a quiet P13. Whilst the “Double Zero” Joest Panzerwagen finished a lowly 20th due to an accident.

 

Willy t. Ribbs drove the lone All American Racers (AAR) Eagle HF89, the team’s and Toyota’s first GTP chassis to a fourth place finish after starting P4.

 

Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) ran two Castrol liveried Jaguar XJR-10’s for Jan Lammers (#60) and Price cobb. (#61)

 

Lammers who started seventh, quietly worked His way forwards, before pouncing upon Brabham at Turn-1, the course’s 10/11 turns best passing opportunity on a late race restart, and with Brabham locking up, Lammers motored to the chequered flag!

 

Meanwhile, Cobb, who’d started ahead of Lammers quietly soldiered home in seventh. While the “Mach 5: (#5) totally unknown of DeBlasi Racing’s ALBA AR9 Buick turbo machine finished eighth. Which I’ll try chronicling in another of my countless No Fenders stories… 

F1: Post Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Young guns results

Y’all remember that test outing, Don’t Yuhs?

 

Now that IMSA’s “Super bowl” 24 Hours of Daytona is far behind in our rear view mirrors. And NASCAR Fans are still reveling in the just concluded Day-toner’ 500. As no idea of how ‘Ol Hulio’ did…

 

Soon, it’ll be time for Formula One’s lone, three day test in Bahrain; February 26-28, two weeks prior to the season opening Australian Grand Prix.

 

Thus, suppose its time to shift gears and begin focusing upon Open Wheel Racing, Eh? Since after all this Blog is called No Fenders. Which I scribble about occasionally, Hya!

 

Yet as always, your Haggard, Humble No Fenders scribe Tomaso is behind, and definitely at least one lap down! Simply unable to type-type-type fast enough for your consumption…

 

And although it garners almost zero attention, and certainly isn’t available visually. Nonetheless, the results of the yearly post Abu Dhabi Young Guns test results always intrigues me.

 

As there were a total of twenty-three drivers taking part. With teams allowed to run current Grands Prix drivers in their 2025 Pirelli tyre testing chassis. While the second car was allotted to driver who’ve only participated in a maximum of two Grands Prix. Leaving a disgruntled Oliver Bearman on the sidelines, due to His having contested three Grands Prix last season.

 

As the top four positions were held by Formula 1 race drivers. It should be no surprise that the touted Kimi Antonelli was quickest of the rookies. Even though being ill and only contesting the afternoon session. Hence the two Mercedes “Juniors” taking part, along with both Aston Martin and Ferrari splitting morning and afternoon sessions driving duties…

 

While check out who was P7. Hmm, Pato Who indeed Mark Miles, cough-cough!

 

As no idea what the two regular McLaren Boyz’ were doing regarding tyre testing, but Lando Norris finished P16 and Oscar Piastri was 19th.

 

Rookies/Young Gun Drivers

(Overall position/Driver/Team)

5) Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

6) Ayumu Iwasa, Racing Bulls

7) Pato O’Ward, McLaren

9) Paul Aron, Alpine

11) Luke Browning, Williams

12) Ryo Hirakawa, Haas

14) Arthur Leclerc, Ferrari

15) Isack Hadjar, Red Bull

18) Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber

20) Jack Crawford, Aston Martin

21) Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin

22) Frederick Vesti, Mercedes

23) Antonio Fuoco, Ferrari

 

Even more impressive about O’Ward’s outing, is that He finished ahead of next year F1 rookies Jack Doohan, (8th) Isack Hadjar (15th) and Gabriel Bortoledo. (18th)

 

Had never heard of Ayumu Iwasa before the test. As the Japanese driver who raced in Formula 2 between 2022-23, and currently competes in Japan’s Super formula series. Is a member of the Red bull Junior programme, and a member of Honda’s Formula Dream project. Hence His testing for Racing bulls, for which I’d say He acquitted Himself nicely…

 

In descending order, Paul Aron, who finished third overall in last year’s FIA Formula 2 championship. Is part of the now overly crowded Alpine reserve drivers squad, which includes Franco Colapinto and Rya Hirakawa.

 

Hirakawa drives for Toyota’s FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) as His “Day Job”, having won the 2022 24 Heurs du Mans. And with Haas’s new technical alliance with Toyota, was given the nod for its “Young Guns” racecar.

 

Yet Hirakawa has now signed on as the third Alpine reserve, which aligns with Toyota’s sponsorship of Hitech’s lower formulae racing teams.

 

The others are all “tied” to their respective teams they drove for. With Luke Browning being a Williams Academy driver, a la the former Colapinto, and races in Formula 2. Although He’ll be driving for Hitech TGR this season in Formula 2, so no idea if still with Team Willy?

 

Arthur Leclerc is indeed the younger brother of Ferrar’s Charles Leclerc, with the pair making History earlier when both driving for Ferrari in the (Free Practice) FP1 session at Abu Dhabi. Whilst Antonio Fuoco races for Ferrari AF Corse in the WEC and won the 2024 24 Heurs du Mans as a Scuderia Ferrari Factory driver.

 

The lone Yank’ on the grid was Jack Crawford, another aspiring F2 racer, set to contest His third season in Formula 2 for Dams Lucas Oil. But with 54 races contested to date, with just two wins. Well, I’d say His chances of a Formula 1 ride are virtually nil…

 

Interestingly, I just learned that Crawford is also Andretti Global’s Formlua E reserve driver. While Crawford can take solace over beating out fellow Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich by one position, in their intra-Aston Martin scrum.

 

Whilst Drugovich, the 2022 FIA Formula 2 Champion has most recently competed in this year’s Rolex 24 alongside fellow ex-F2 competitor Vesti.

 

As could Crawford and Drugovich be in line to race aboard Aston’s Valkyrie Hypercar project?

 

Frederik Vesti, a Mercedes Junior team member, drove the morning session for an ill Antonelli. As the Dane’ raced in F2 for two seasons. Finishing runner-up in 2023 with six wins, behind Theo Pourchaire.

 

Last year Vesti raced Sports Cars, primarily in the European Le Mans Series )ELMS) in LMP2. Along with making His debut in both the 24 Heurs du Mans and Rolex 24. The latter driving for Era Motorsport in the LMP2 category.

 

For 2025, Vesti has signed to race as Cadillac Whelen Engineering’s “third” endurance driver. Aboard the No. 31 Cadd-Oh-Lac’ V-Serioes.R IMSA GTP racecar, beginning at Daytona… 

ROLEX 24: IndyCar Ringers’

But exactly how many current IndyCar drivers will take the Green flag?

 

This is just what I gleamed over the Christmas Holidazes’ initially, As Bloggers Never Sleep! With the remaining TBA Driver names drip-drip-dripping in like a thousand points of lights, or whatever…

 

Which obviously, I’ve attempted to update to the best of my Humble knowledge, prior to the green flag being waved tomorrow morning at 10:40AM Pacific.

 

Grand Touring Prototype (GTP)

As of New years, hopefully Y’all aren’t still holding your breath over Dale Coyne announcing His two IndyCar drivers, Are Yuhs? Since these two IndyCar seats were the only place that Romain Grosjean could possibly secure for this year.

As Grosjean’s current “Day Job” appears to be piloting the No. 63 Lamborghini SC63 now campaigned by Riley Motorsports during the five Michelin Endurance Cup rounds.

 

 As the Indianapolis Star’s Nathan Browne noted at Prema’s “launch” party. The announcement of Romain Grosjean as the team’s IndyCar reserve driver signals He won’t be racing in IndyCar this year…

 

Meanwhile, Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) will dip into its newly forged technical alliance with Chip Ganassi Racing by utilizing Cheeps’ top two IndyCar champions. As Scotty thee “Iceman 2.0” Dixon along with MSR IndyCar Ace Felix-the-Cat’ (Rosenqvist) will race in the lead No. 60 Acura. Whilst Alex Palou will join the No. 93 MSR entry.

 

Le Mans Prototype (LMP2)

The LMP2 category is filled with current, former and hopeful IndyCar drivers. Beginning with Andretti Global’s Colton Herta racing in the CrowdStrike by APR Racing’s No. 04 with IndyCar hopeful Toby sowery. as part of its drivers lineup.

 

Aspiring IndyCar driver Hunter McElrea will once again drive for TDF Racing, in their #11 Oreca. As McElrea has been part of its winning crew the last two races, i.e.; Indianapolis’s Battle on The Bricks and Petit Le Mans.

 

Prema Racing’s Callum Ilott joins the brand new #73 Prat Miller Motorsports lineup. Moonlighting in former RLLR driver Pietro Fittipaldi’s new season ride.

 

Whilst I was  wonderin’ if Christian Rasmussen, who was part of the winning LMP2 Era Motorsport entry last year would return to the High Banks ‘O Daytona this January?

 

Learning on January 2nd that the Dane’ would now make up part of the most popular and colourful Spike-the-Dragon’s AO Racing No. 99 entry, with Dane Cameron, PJ Hyett and Johnny Edgar lobbing “fireballs” at the competitors, Hya!

 

GTD Pro/GT Daytona

Team Penske’s ScottyMac’, aka Scott McLaughlin joins NASCAR driver The Giz’, ergo Shane van Gisbergen. Along with Trackhouse Racing Development Driver Connor Vilisch, the reigning Rolex 24 and Sebring 12 Hours LMP2 winner. Plus perennial “Gentleman” racer Ben Keating in the No. 91 Trackhouse by TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R.

 

As the foursome will race in the GTD Pro category in a Trackhouse Racing and FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) TF Sport collabouration. With Keating also racing aboard the No. 52 PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports LMP2 entry.

 

Arse-sumin’ that Andretti Global’s (Kyle) Kirk’ Kirkwood will once again be Moonlighting aboard one of the Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 entries. Presumably the No. 14 entry?

 

Before the intravenous drip ‘O driver announcements confirmed on January 8th that Kirkwood would not only continue His endurance specialist role aboard the No. 14, contesting the Michelin Endurance Cup rounds. But would pull “Double Duty” between the team’s Nos 12 and 14 entries at Daytona.

 

Townsend Bell will be the No. 14’s fourth driver at Daytona

. Seeing T-Bell’ returning to the cockpit after a few years on the sidelines. Giving us the Battle of Colour commentators in GTD Pro between Bell and thee Mayor ‘O Hinchtown, nee JamesHinchcliffe in the Pfaff Motorsports No. 9 Lamborghini Huracan. With T-Bell’ continuing His announcing duties with NBC at Daytona…

 

Whilst doing my yearly Rolex 24 previews Ad Nauseam, ahead of the full driver lineups being revealed. I noticed that Kenny Habul’s now 75 Express, previously SunEnergy1 Mercedes Benz-AMG GT3 Evo had one of its #75 drivers listed as TBA.

 

Naturally this made me wonder if Will Power, who was supposed to race with fellow Aussie’ Habul two years ago before His wife Liz got horribly sick. Would somehow be the mystery driver this January? Although doubtful, this is what us IndyCar Bloggers think of over the insidious Offseason. Having scribbled about Habul’s and Power’s Australian racing exploits previously…

 

Noting how Power, who’d recovered fully from His Broken Ribs Go Karting escapade during the previous Fall. Had mused about how He used to be competing against Team Boss Kenny Habul Wayback during His Formula ford days Down Under.

 

As Habul’s crowning moment in formula ford was finishing on the Podium with Will at the 1999 Australia Formula ford support race at Surfers Paradise. Where Kenny finished third in a Sprint Qualifying race for that year’s Gold Coast Indy 300 which Power won.

 

Although Kenny’s No slouch behind the wheel, having won the Bathurst 12 Hours in 2022 and outright in 2023. Along with being a multi-times Intercontinental GT Challenge Champion…

 

Yet my pipe dream was all for naught. With the announcement of Jules Gounon announced as the fourth driver for the #75 entry on the updated Rolex 24 entry list published on January 9th. But may be some year, DJ WillyP’ will finally make His Rolex 24 debut, Eh?

 

Meanwhile, Will Power has just hired His first Agent, A14 Management. Owned by some smarmy Spaniard Frederico Suave’, aka Fred Alonso. And its U.S. representative is none other than Oriel “Suitcase” Servia, current IndyCar Pace Car driver.

 

As Power says He just wants to focus upon driving this season, even though it’s a contract year. And Yeah, He’s heard the rumours about some fresh face Punk nearly half His age driving for Foyt wanting His seat next year. Saying the Kid’s only got a handful of top ten finishes, but whatever…

 

Power says He wants to race in IndyCar a further five years, along with Sports Car and perhaps even NASCAR someday. Along with presumably both the Rolex 24 and 24 Heurs du Mans.

 

As that’s All I’ve got for current IndyCar drivers participating this year. With eight drivers making up nearly one third of the 25, Err 26 confirmed IndyCar entries as of January 13^th. As what are you doing announcing a driver this early Dale Coyne? 

ROLEX 24: The GTP Grid’s Five Manufacturer Contendahs’

But we’ll have to wait a further 72 Hours to find out whose this year’s winner…

 

Without further Adu, here’s the other three IMSA GTP Class entrants in alphabetical order, Enjoy!

 

ACURA

Acura ARX-06

Engine: 2.4-litre V-6 Twin Turbo

Team: Meyer Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian

#60 Tom Blomqvist, Colin Brown, Scott Dixon and Felix Rosenqvist

#93 Renger van der Zande, Nick Yelloly, Alex Palou and Kakunoshin Ohta

 

After a one year hiatus, Meyer Shank Racing returns as the sole Acura GTP Factory entry, taking over the two previous Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti entries.

 

As the “lead” MSR entry sees the “Band” getting back together with Tom “The Bomb” Blomqvist and Colin Brown reuniting. Hopefully bringing them another IMSA GTP Championship title and Rolex 24 win, with a little Help from some Friends.

 

Blomqvist and Brown were the 2023 IMSA GTP Prototypes champions, along with winning that year’s Rolex 24 for Acura.

 

The “second” No. 93 entry features Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly for the full season. Ad van der Zande slides over from Cadillac, and Yelloly from BMW. And will attack the Daytona High Banks with assistance from one of Cheeps’ IndyCar champions! Along with the totally unknown Kakunoshin Ohta. As Ohta, who competes in Super GT and Super formula, will race for MSR at the Daytona, Watkins Glen and Indianapolis rounds.

 

Arse-sumedly Ohta’s Japanese championships conflict with some of the IMSA endurance rounds? But its nice knowing that at least one GTP entry will be running three drivers at Mother Speedway. Where IMSA could truly elevate the Battle on The Bricks six hours race by mandating three drivers. Which hopefully would lead to IndyCar drivers competing, since their done for the year before Labour Day, Spew!

 

BMW

BMW M Hybrid V-8

Engine: 4.0-litre V-8 Twin Turbo

Team: BMW M Team RLL

#24 Philipp Eng, Dries Vanthoor, Kevin Magnussen and Raffale Marciello

#25 Sheldon van der Linde, Marco Whittmann, Robin Frijns and Rene Rast

 

While the BMW team lineups are almost all new. As Phillip Eng is the only full season holdover from last year. Along with DriesVanthoor getting a fulltime nod after just contesting last year’s Rolex 24 for BMW. For Mwah, the big news is the signing of Kevin Bacon’ Magnussen. As the ex-Haas Formula 1 driver is now finished in F1, and this is a great signing for BMW.

 

As BMW will rotate its drivers between IMSA GTP and “Weckity Wec” (World Endurance Championship) competition this year.

 

CADILLAC

Cadillac V-Series.R

Engine: 5.5-litre normally aspirated V-8

Team: Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing

#10 Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque, Will Stevens and Brendon Hartley

#40 Jordan Taylor, Louis Deletraz and Kamui Kobayashi

 

Although part of the Andretti Global ownership restructuring. Wayne Taylor has a long, successful relationship with Cadd-Oh-lac’. Having won multiple Rolex 24 and IMSA SportsCar Championship titles with them, this switch from Chip Ganassi Racing really shouldn’t have been a surprise to anybody.

 

The driver lineups remain largely intact from last year’s Acura WTR with Andretti concern. While it's nice seeing K-Squared’, aka Kamui Kobayashi’s return. Who’ll be in search of His third Rolex wristwatch with WTR, whilst Hartley’s no slouch either…

 

Note

WTR announced on the Roar’s first day that Alex Lynn would not compete in this year’s Rolex 24 due to illness. And that the #40 would instead just race with its three remaining drivers.

Team: Cadillac Whelen Action Express Racing

#31 Earl Bamber, Jack Aitken, Frederik Vesti and Felipe Drugovich

 

This is the team with the longest name on the grid now, Chuh-Ching! As Earl Bamber will be pulling “Double Duty”, i.e.; IMSA and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) also for Cadillac Hertz Team Jota. Where Alex Lynn and Will Stevens also race.

 

With Bamber joining Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken fulltime in IMSA, where Aitken seems to have settled in as a Sports car racer. Along with Frederik Vesti running the endurance rounds. Plus the addition of Aston Martin F1 reserve driver Felipe Drugovich joining at Daytona.

 

After all, what’s Drugovich gonna due since He’s not been able to land a Formula 1 seat since winning the 2022 Formula 2 title. And waiting for Lance Stroll or Frederico Suave, aka Fernando Alonso to leave Aston Martin seems like a tall order…