Want to be the first privateer team to race a McLaren MP4-12C? They'd love to hear from you. But first, check out the first shakedown of the MP4-12C GT3 at Silverstone in the UK. Portuguese driver Álvaro Parente's the wheelman.
These tests, McLaren notes in its press materials, follow months of virtual testing in the McLaren Simulator at the company's HQ in Woking, the same one they used to develop both the 12C production car and its Formula 1 cars.
The GT3's in fair parity with the road car, though about four inches wider, with new electronics and a new suspension system. Since the MP4-12C's ProActive Chassis Control System doesn't meet FIA regs, the 12C GT3 will use race-typical roll bars and dampers. The same 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 has been tuned to race spec, along with a Ricardo racing gearbox instead of the 7-speed Graziano box in the road version.
From 2012, McLaren Automotive and CRS Racing will supply and support a limited number of FIA GT3-compliant racing cars based on the McLaren 12C high-performance sports car for privateers. Interested in racing one? Register at www.mclarengt.com.