> F1-liveried 720S to perform all on-track duties again in 2020
> Factory drivers and DDP members amongst 12 multi-class entries
McLaren Automotive returns as the Intelligent Money British GT Championship’s official Safety Car partner for a fifth consecutive season in 2020.
The 720S Safety Car joins a record number of McLaren GT3 and GT4 models on British GT’s full-season entry list, which will be revealed during the championship’s annual Media Day at Snetterton tomorrow (March 3).
Several Super Series models have performed British GT’s Safety Car duties since McLaren became the championship’s official partner in 2016, but it was the current 720S that really turned heads after first appearing at the start of last year. Its Papaya Orange and blue livery has been updated this year to match Woking’s latest Formula 1 car, the MCL35, which was launched last month.
The 720S, which is capable of 0-62mph in just 2.9s before going on to a top speed of 212mph, will manage and co-ordinate all on-track activities during each of this year’s nine races. Four of its GT3 counterparts also compete in the hands of McLaren Customer Racing teams Balfe Motorsport, Optimum Motorsport and British GT debutants 2 Seas Motorsport, while eight 570S GT4 entries are also confirmed.
McLaren Automotive’s domestic commitment extends to its Driver Development Programme whose latest recruits Michael Benyahia, Alain Valente, Katie Milner and Harry Hayek share Tolman Motorsport’s two GT4 entries. Former DDP member and current McLaren Professional Driver Michael O’Brien returns for a third season along with reigning two-time Pure McLaren champion Mia Flewitt plus factory aces Rob Bell and Euan Hankey.
Ian Morgan, Director of Motorsport, McLaren Automotive: “The Intelligent Money British GT Championship goes from strength to strength, and we have more McLaren Customer Racing teams on the grid than ever before, so I am pleased to confirm that the grid will be led by the 720S Safety Car once again. The relationship with the championship continues to strengthen year on year, and it is a great showcase for our customers to see the GT3 and GT4 variants of McLaren roadcars competing on track.”
Lauren Granville, Championship Manager: “British GT’s official Safety Car partnership with McLaren enters its fifth season this year and is one of the championship’s longest-running associations. We’re delighted to have the 720S leading our supercar pack to the start of every round once again, while the manufacturer’s GT3 and GT4 models make up one-third of this year’s full-season entry. We’re very proud that such an iconic British brand continues to have a high-profile presence in one of the UK’s biggest motorsport series.”
Oulton Park hosts the opening round of this season’s Intelligent Money British GT Championship over Easter Bank Holiday Weekend (April 11 & 13).