Scottish race team Black Bull Ecurie Ecosse has announced that it will enter the 2016 British GT championship as a McLaren GT customer team, with factory driver Rob Bell lining up alongside Alasdair McCaig behind the wheel of the McLaren 650S GT3. The squad has also announced that it is to continue its partnership with Black Bull Whisky, which this season will become the team’s title sponsor.
Bell joins the outfit to compete in a full domestic championship for the first time since 2002, having since enjoyed success in international series with five wins in the past decade. With an extensive knowledge of the circuits included in British GT’s 2016 calendar, the 36-year-old will also bring vast experience racing the 650S GT3 to the team having claimed the Asian Le Mans Series title, a double victory in the Blancpain Endurance Series and a podium at the Gulf 12 Hour race.
“The level of competition in British GT has always been high but is rapidly becoming one of the world’s toughest GT3 championships, and it will be great to see a McLaren wearing the famous Ecurie Ecosse colours for the first time,” explained Andrew Kirkaldy, managing director, McLaren GT. “The team are in a great position ahead of the championship assault and Rob brings significant experience, which will help them hit the ground running from the first round. He will be a great partner for Alasdair especially given his familiarity with the 650S GT3 and the circuits on this year’s calendar.”
“We are delighted to continue working with Ecurie Ecosse for the 2016 season and believe the new partnership with McLaren will be a force to be reckoned with,” added Ewan Shand, managing director, Black Bull Whisky. “For Black Bull to be involved with two such iconic brands will be a fantastic tool for our market exposure.”
