MCLAREN SIGNS YOUNG GT DRIVERS
Four new recruits set for factory british gt4 programme
Mclaren has revamped its Driver Development Programme, and has revealed the four drivers that will campaign a pair of factory-entered GT4 cars in next year’s British GT Championship.
The Woking firm will field two 570S GT4 machines for the full British GT season, with the cars being crewed by the brand’s four new recruits.
BRDC F4 graduate Jordan Albert gets another shot at British GT after his deal with Beechdean AMR ended abruptly mid-way through 2016. Historic Formula Ford racer Michael O’brien is a surprise inclusion. He will be joined by GT Cup frontrunner Lewis Proctor – who has been racing a 570S GT4 this year – and Charlie Fagg, who has competed in the European GT4 Series, been a race winner in British GT4 and made his GT3 debut with Nissan at this year’s season finale at Donington Park.
All four young drivers will be mentored by sportscar veteran Rob Bell. The team which will run the cars has yet to be announced. Garage 59 ran a pair of 570S GT4S this year on behalf of the firm.
Mclaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt said: “Our goal was to identify a group of very talented young drivers, help them progress, give them a motorsport education and give them an opportunity to compete at the highest level. By doing this we will create a talent pool for future Mclaren drivers.
“Each of these drivers has the potential to be a GT champion with Mclaren. When selecting them we looked for a few key attributes: pure racing skill and talent was one, the ability to learn and improve, the intelligence of the equipment and the sport and the ability to work as part of a team.”
Bell added: “All four guys are very enthusiastic and ready to go. I’ll be around to impart my knowledge. Ultimately, I’ve been in their position and made errors along the way. My job is to guide them with my experiences and help them develop.”