McLaren MP4-12C GT3 (2011) launch pics, video

McLaren has officially launched its MP4-12C GT3 racing car, announcing the driver line-up and racing schedule for 2011 after further track-testing in Europe.

Readers will recall our earlier story on the MP4-12C GT3, but that was the track-test debut. Got it?

McLaren is now ready to formally launch its new FIA GT3 car and announce the formal racing schedule. Besides, would you prefer to be reading about yet another Porsche 911? Thought not.

McLaren has successfully completed its initial test programme, which started out on the McLaren Racing simulator normally used for McLaren’s F1 cars, then migrated to Silverstone. From there the team moved to Circuito de Navarra in Spain and the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal. Now they’re ready to go racing,

McLaren GT plan to make the MP4-12C GT3’s race debut at the Blancpain Endurance Series race on 22 May at Spain’s Circuito de Navarra, followed by races at Magny-Cours in France (27 August) and Silverstone (9 October) in England.

As part of the development programme for the MP4-12C GT3, McLaren GT also intends to enter the Spa 24hr endurance race (30-31 July). UK fans get an extra treat, as the MP4-12C GT3 will also be charging up Lord March’s driveway at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from 1-3 July 2011.

MP4-12C GT3 project manager and CRS Racing team principal Andrew Kirkaldy will be leading the driver line-up, supported by McLaren F1 test driver Oliver Turvy, and Portuguese racing driver Alvaro Parente. Their primary aim is testing, in order to refine the prototype and incorporate changes into the 20 customer cars which will be delivered for GT3 competition in 2012. It will be interesting to see how the McLaren shapes up against its existing rivals from other supercar makers such as Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini.

By Mark Hamilton