McLaren goes racing with MP4-12C
2010-12-20 09:21
GT3 FOR PRIVATEERS: The McLaren will compete in a few races in 2011.
McLaren has confirmed that it will, from 2012, support a number of GT3 racing cars for customer teams in a car based on its latest supercar, the MP4-12C.
McLaren and UK-based CRS Racing have begun development work aimed at turning the MP4-12C road car into a proper GT3 sports car. The partners will compete in a few European GT races in 2011 as part of the car’s developmental work.
The 12C’s lightweight, moulded carbon fibre chassis and high levels of downforce and aerodynamic performance are thought to provide the perfect platform in the car’s transformation from road to track car.
'EXCITING PROPOSITION'
Martin Whitmarsh, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team principal said: “Racing is in our blood – it was natural to develop a GT3 car alongside the 12C road car. We have a legendary history in global motorsport, including GT racing, and we aim to maintain that reputation with this GT3 programme, and any future sports car projects that may evolve.
“The 12C’s architecture and design was always aimed at high-performance and ease of maintenance - two key criteria for potential customers. Combine that with the vast amount of racing experience in our automotive team, and CRS Racing’s specialist development experience, and the 12C GT3 should be an exciting proposition for the top teams planning to race in GT3 from 2012.”
McLaren and partner CRS Racing have said that more details about the 12C GT3 racing programme will be announced in 2011, although prospective customers can register their intent at www.mclarengt.com.
