Lauren Sanchez On 'The View' As Guest Co-Host -- Tappin' Latin Talent

"The View" producers will give potential replacement co-host Lauren Sanchez her shot at one of the coveted seats when she sits in for Wednesday's episode.

TMZ has learned Sanchez got the call last week, and was told she would be co-hosting with Whoopi Goldberg, Jenny McCarthy and Sherri Shepherd.

Our 'View' sources tell us producers will be watching for Sanchez's "chemistry" with Whoopi -- which makes sense since she's the only one who will be back next season.

As TMZ first told you ... producers are on the hunt for 2 new co-hosts -- one conservative and one Latina. Sanchez -- a former news anchor and 'Extra' host -- was nearly hired in 2000, but they went with Lisa Ling instead.

As Barbara Walters herself put it, Lauren was "thiiis close" to getting the gig back then.