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Outgoing Formula 1 driver Mark Webber will get his first taste of Porsche's 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours challenger in Bahrain in January.

Webber, who was announced as part of Porsche's World Endurance Championship team for next year in June, will drive the German manufacturer's petrol-electric hybrid when it resumes its test programme in the new year at the Bahrain International Circuit in mid-January.

Contractual issues mean Webber will not be able to join Porsche's test programme before the Bahrain run, as the Australian remains employed by Red Bull until the end of December.

Sportscar world gives its verdict on Webber

Porsche has so far tested its LMP1 at Lausitz, Magny-Cours and Aragon, as well as its own Weissach test facility.

Further tests this year are planned at Monza, Paul Ricard and the Algarve circuit.

As revealed by AUTOSPORT, Marc Lieb and Brendon Hartley are favourites to fill the vacant drives in Porsche's WEC line-up.