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McLaren GT3 EVO Clinches Double Points In Texas WEC Comeback
McLaren Automotive and United Autosports achieved another milestone with the McLaren GT3 EVO at the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Lone Star Le Mans race. Held on September 1 at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), this event marked a significant return after a four-year hiatus. The 3.4-mile track, known for its 20 challenging corners, has hosted the US Grand Prix since 2012 but last saw WEC action in 2020.
James Cottingham secured seventh place in the Hyperpole session after initially qualifying ninth. His teammate, Josh Caygill, narrowly missed Hyperpole, starting from eleventh. Both drivers had a clean start, with Caygill making significant progress to finish the opening lap just behind Cottingham in eighth place. The race saw intense competition with minimal Full Course Yellow periods, leading to plenty of wheel-to-wheel action.
The #59 car, driven by Gregoire Saucy in the final stint, came alive in the last 45 minutes of the race. With fresh tyres and an impressive drive, Saucy finished fourth, just 7.4 seconds shy of a podium spot. Meanwhile, Marino Sato crossed the line in seventh place in the #95 car despite serving a drive-through penalty on the penultimate lap.
Richard Dean, CEO of United Autosports, praised the team's efforts: "James Cottingham, Gregoire Saucy, Nicolas Costa and the #59 crew have delivered another solid result today with P4. And while it feels frustrating to be so close to the podium again, everybody should be really proud. We are fighting for LMGT3 podiums; we have the pace for LMGT3 podiums; and we are taking on world-class teams and drivers."
The WEC season now heads to Japan for round seven at Fuji Speedway on September 15. Dean expressed optimism for future races: "We’re at that level – and we have two more races to get the result that is so deserved. For the #95 crew, it wasn’t their weekend with a mid-field start, traffic and a couple of issues which will be ironed out before Fuji."
Mick McDonagh, Director of MSO & Motorsport at McLaren Automotive, also highlighted their consistent performance: "Another strong performance from the United Autosports team and the McLaren GT3 EVOs. A fourth and seventh place finish demonstrates our consistency and earns more championship points."
About McLaren Automotive
McLaren Automotive is renowned for producing ultra high-performance supercars since its launch in 2010. Headquartered at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, Surrey, England, it leverages over six decades of racing heritage to create some of the most exhilarating vehicles on the market.
The company’s product range includes GTS models like supercars and Motorsport vehicles sold in over 40 markets globally. All cars are hand-assembled at McLaren Production Centre (MPC) located within MTC's campus.
World Endurance Championship Overview
The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is an international sportscar series featuring a mix of Hypercar and LMGT3 categories across eight rounds worldwide. The championship offers manufacturers a platform for real-world advancements in road car design and technology.
This year marks its twelfth season with races spanning Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Middle East. Events range from six-hour races to iconic endurance challenges like Le Mans' 24-hour race.
2024 WEC Calendar
| Date | Event | Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| March 2 | 1812km Lusail International Circuit | Qatar |
| April 21 | 6 Hours of Imola | Imola |
| May 11 | 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps | Spa-Francorchamps |
| June 15-16 | 24 Hours of Le Mans | Circuit de la Sarthe |
| July 14 | 6 Hours of Sao Paulo | Interlagos |
| September 1 | Lone Star Le Mans | Circuit of The Americas |
| September 15 td >6 Hours of Fuji td >Fuji Speedway td > tr >November 2 td >8 Hours of Bahrain td >Bahrain International Circuit td > tr > table > The next round promises more thrilling action as teams prepare for Fuji Speedway's unique challenges on September 15. |
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