Turvey enjoys "priceless" Porsche LMP1 test

The McLaren Formula 1 test driver sampled the World Endurance Championship-winning car over one and a half days of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya along with Kevin Magnussen and Mitch Evans.

Turvey, who won the LMP2 class at Le Mans with JOTA Sport in 2014 alongside Harry Tincknell and Simon Dolan, is eyeing the chance to replace Nico Hulkenberg at Le Mans should the European Grand Prix at Baku be confirmed for 19 June next month.

"It was a really good experience and a priceless opportunity to see what the LMP1 cars were like to handle," Turvey told Motorsport.com.

"The power was obviously very impressive and reminded me a lot of the F1 in terms of delivery and how much it just kept going.

"The handling was very consistent and I was able to discover it very quickly too, it gave a good level of confidence in all areas actually."

Although times from the test were not disclosed by Porsche, the three drivers are believed to have been very closely matched during the two days which included both short and long stint mileage.

WEC regulars Timo Bernhard and Marc Lieb were on hand to advise the LMP1 rookies.

No rush on decision, says Porsche

Porsche team principal Andreas Seidl told Motorsport.com last weekend that the evaluation in Barcelona had confirmed Porsche's selection had been correct in choosing the three drivers.

"We were really happy with all three guys - they were on the pace quickly and it confirmed that we made the right selection," said Seidl.

"It was a good intensive test, including some race simulation and our set test programme and we have a great overview of them now.

"We have a certain programme which includes long-run performance, mapping and communications because this is a factor where you see a difference between drivers, especially with these complex cars. Drivers now need some free mental capacity, as well as driving on the limit. This is important.

"We now wait for the F1 calendar, but we know this can even change in January. So, we have no rush at the moment," concluded Seidl.