18 Aug 2015
- Ex-Formula 1™ driver Bruno Senna to consult drivers at each track event
- Senna to bring a unique knowledge of the highest levels of international racing in single seat and GT championships
- McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme calendar confirmed at some of the world’s most iconic circuits as the build of the first customer car is completed
- Watch Senna testing the McLaren P1™ GTR ahead of the first event at: http://youtu.be/f1OiX8-72JE
Former Formula 1™ and current McLaren GT factory driver Bruno Senna has joined the McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme and will act as mentor at each of the exclusive events. Senna, who was announced as a McLaren GT factory driver earlier this year, will work closely with each of the tailored programmes, ensuring optimum performance for each of the cars and drivers around some of the world’s most iconic and challenging, circuits.
Members of the McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme will take part in a bespoke training and preparation schedule, designed to fully prepare them before taking to the circuit. Initial consultations at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) will include a race seat fitting, a Human Performance Centre assessment, and final discussions around design and livery. From here, and ahead of each event, drivers will have access to the McLaren racing simulator to familiarise themselves with the circuit.
Commenting on the new role, and the Driver Programme, Senna explained: ‘The McLaren P1™ GTR is a phenomenal machine, and is designed for one purpose – to be the ultimate drivers’ car around any given track. With more power and torque, optimised aerodynamics and increased grip over the already very impressive McLaren P1™, the levels of performance are at the next level. Significant focus has been put on ensuring drivers can access and exploit the extra performance.
‘The bespoke Driver Programme has been designed to ensure each driver is prepared, mentally and physically, to make the most of the car and the track. The stages are the same as a professional racing driver would go through for a race weekend, whether it is a GT race or in Formula 1, and the team on the ground at each event will be working closely with the drivers to hone skill levels and push them beyond what they believe is possible.’
The first customer example of the McLaren P1™ GTR has now rolled off the line in the McLaren Production Centre (MPC). From here, it will now complete its build with the team at McLaren Special Operations. This milestone comes as further details of the first year of the McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme are confirmed. The provisional nine date calendar will visit Circuit de Catalunya (Spain), Sepang International Circuit (Malaysia), Circuit of the Americas (North America), Silverstone (UK), Autodromo Nazionale Monza (Italy), Red Bull Ring (Austria), Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Bahrain International Circuit (Bahrain) and Yas Marina (Abu Dhabi).
Ends
Notes to Editors:
A selection of high resolution images accompanying this release is available to download from the McLaren Automotive media site – cars.mclaren.press.
About McLaren Automotive:
McLaren Automotive is a British manufacturer of luxury, high-performance sports cars, located at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, Surrey.
Following the global launch of McLaren Automotive in 2010, the groundbreaking 12C was launched in 2011, the 12C Spider in 2012, and the limited-run McLaren P1™ went into production in 2013. In keeping with its plan to introduce a new model each year, the company unveiled the 650S, in coupe and Spider form in 2014, and has announced the Sports Series among the models to be introduced in 2015. The brand continues to expand, and McLaren posted a profit during 2013 – only the third year of vehicle production. This was followed in 2014, by a third consecutive year of growth in sales with a record 1,649 vehicles delivered via a dedicated global network of retailers in every major automotive market.
McLaren Automotive Partners
To support the development, engineering and manufacture of its range of innovative and highly acclaimed sports cars, McLaren Automotive has partnered with world leading companies to provide specialist expertise and technology including, AkzoNobel, ExxonMobil, Pirelli and SAP.
Designed for the track; Developed for the road
The connection between Formula 1 and road cars at McLaren is a natural process of experience, knowledge, principles and process transfer. Through the integration of 50 years of Formula 1™ racing expertise and knowledge, and over 20 years of heritage in producing landmark sports cars, McLaren Automotive designs, develops and builds a range of technologically advanced and groundbreaking high performance sports cars which are designed to be a no compromise drive on both road and track.
McLaren has pioneered the use of carbon fibre in vehicle production over the past 30 years, and since introducing a carbon chassis into racing and road cars with the 1981 McLaren MP4/1 and 1993 McLaren F1 respectively, McLaren has not built a car without a carbon fibre chassis.
Dave Eden
Global PR Manager | McLaren Automotive Limited
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