MCLAREN TO BRITISH GT

Photos: Jakob Ebrey, Scruffy Bear Pictures, Kremer Rob Bell heads factory Ecurie Ecosse entry into GT3

Ecurie Ecosse will return to British GT this year through a new factory partnership with Mclaren GT.

The Woking firm will back a single 650S GT3 for works driver Rob Bell and Alasdair Mccaig. The car will run in the famous blue, white and black colours that previously adorned the Barwell Motorsport BMW Z4, which Marco Attard – aided by pro driver Alexander Sims – steered to the title in 2014.

For Bell, 36, this year will mark his first domestic racing campaign since 2002.

He has since gone on to race successfully internationally in endurance racing.

Mccaig last contested British GT in 2012, sharing a BMW Z4 GT3 with Oliver Bryant and finishing fifth in the points.

Bell said: “It is great to have the chance to race back on home soil. Since joining Mclaren GT as a factory driver in 2011 I have had the opportunity to race at some of the world’s most iconic circuits, but it is always special to race back on my old stomping ground with the support of the British fans, who are the best in the world.

“The British GT Championship has been growing in stature over the past years and this season looks set to be one of the toughest championships for me, the team and the 650S GT3. But I am confident in all parties being up to the challenge and I am looking forward to working with Alasdair.”

Mclaren GT head Andrew Kirkaldy added: “The level of competition in British GT has always been high but now it is rapidly becoming one of the world’s toughest GT3 championships, and it will be great to see a Mclaren wearing the Ecurie Ecosse colours.

“The team is in a great position for a championship assault this year. Rob brings significant experience with him, which will help them hit the ground running. He will be a great partner for Alasdair.”