MCLAREN’S GT JUNIORS REVEALED
Dorlin, collard and Smith join scheme
Mclaren Automotive has signed Renault Clio runner-up James Dorlin, Formula Ford Festival winner Josh Smith and Mini Challenge frontrunner Jordan Collard to join Lewis Proctor in its Driver Development Programme for the scheme’s second season.
The quartet will pair up in two Mclaren 570S GT4S in a yet-tobe-confirmed series, although it is expected that they will contest the British GT championship.
The three teenaged drivers were chosen after an extensive interview process including fitness tests, engineering knowledge and qualifying simulations, overseen by Mclaren factory driver Rob Bell. All will benefit from mentoring from Mclaren staff in matters ranging from on-track performance to sponsorship and PR and data analysis.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome three bright young talents to the Mclaren Automotive Driver Development Programme for 2019,” commented dan Walmsley, Mclaren Automotive director of motorsport.
“Following a successful inaugural season for the programme, which saw two of the four drivers challenge for the GT4 class title in the British GT Championship, we’re looking forward to further successes for the second year of the programme.”
Programme graduates Michael O’brien – who has been placed at Balfe Motorsport – and Charlie Fagg finished within two points of the British GT4 title last year for Tolman Motorsport and have been promoted to the newly established Junior Performance Academy. Fagg’s 2019 schedule with a Mclaren customer team is expected to be announced soon.
The third graduate, Jordan Albert, will continue his involvement with Mclaren through its Pure Mclaren trackday events.