McLaren has announced it will run a trio of their new MP4-12C GT3 cars at the Total 24 Hours of Spa with ten drivers competing in the famous enduro.
The legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit hosts the popular 24 hour event this weekend (July 28-30) and McLaren are using it as a perfect opportunity to further develop the new GT3 racer.
This latest run-out coupled with the successful earlier season outing in the British GT Championship at Spa is all part of the 2011 development before 20 cars are delivered to privateers for the 2012 season.
Two cars will be run in the Pro-Cup category with CRS Racing Team Principal Andrew Kirkaldy and McLaren Automotive Chief Test driver Chris Goodwin heading each line-up alongside Rob Bell, Tim Mullen, Alvaro Parente and Oliver Turvey.
The Pro-Am class line-up in a MP4-12C managed by VonRyan Racing will feature CRS Racing drivers and young Brits Adam Christodoulou, Glynn Geddie and Phil Quaife alongside New Zealander Roger Wills.
Chris Goodwin, also an executive of the new McLaren GT company led by CEO Martin Whitmarsh, is delighted with the prospect of Spa and is hoping for a strong performance.
He said: “I was very happy with the performance of the 12C GT3 in its debut race at Spa. We secured an amazing pole position at the first attempt and importantly for future customers; the 12C GT3 was reliable, fast and easy to drive.
“I'm delighted with the quality of the drivers we have enlisted as we take the 12C GT3 to its first 24 hour race.
“This level of endurance racing is a crucial test for the car technically, and we need the best possible team working with us to ensure we receive intelligent, objective feedback on the 12C GT3 driving experience.
All of the work done at Spa this weekend will be working towards the delivery of the privateer MP4-12Cs for 2012 and Goodwin is positive a good working relationship can be forged.
He added: “We will use this feedback as we continue to develop the car in readiness for customers to go racing next year.
“We will be taking the opportunity at Spa to work with a future McLaren GT customer, VonRyan Racing.
“We want to develop close relationships with all our customer race teams and this experience will be valuable in developing our customer support programme for 2012 and beyond.”
