The 24-hour race of Spa-Francorchamps that will take place the following weekend will be the first time a McLaren racecar premieres at a 24-hour endurance event since 1995, when the F1 GTR made its maiden appearance in the 24 hours of Le Mans.

McLaren plans to enter three MP4-12C GT3 prototypes in the race, two factory-backed models in the Pro-Cup category and one in partnership with a customer in the Pro-Am Cup.

The British company is using this year’s racing season in order to develop the MP4-12C GT3, the final form of which will be delivered to 20 customer teams in time for the 2012 GT3 championships.

McLaren Automotive chief test driver Chris Goodwin said: “I was very happy with the performance of the MP4-12C GT3 at Spa. We secured an amazing pole position at the first attempt and, importantly for future customers, the 12C GT3 was reliable, fast and easy to drive”.

McLaren Entries in 24 Hour Race of Spa-Francorchamps

Pro-Cup category

Car 58 (McLaren GT):Rob Bell – GBChris Goodwin – GBTim Mullen – GB

Car 59 (McLaren GT):Andrew Kirkaldy – GBÁlvaro Parente – POROliver Turvey – GB

Pro-Am Cup category

Car 60 (McLaren GT and VonRyan Racing):Adam Christodoulou – GBGlynn Geddie – GBPhil Quaife – GBRoger Wills – NZL

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