McLaren GT has announced the creation of a new driver development program ahead of the 2015 GT season. The ‘McLaren GT Young Driver Programme’ will initially see 650S GT3 drivers Ross Wylie, 23, and Andrew Watson, 19, (above) working closely with McLaren GT, and the existing trio factory drivers of Rob Bell, Kevin Estre and Alvaro Parente to further enhance their skills and knowledge for a competitive career in GT racing.
The announcement follows a successful 2014 season for McLaren GT, which was brought to a close with a successful competitive debut for the new 650S GT3 at the Gulf 12 Hours.
‘It is great that we are in the position to offer these promising young drivers an opportunity to become part of our team, and help give them a boost with their careers,” explained Andrew Kirkaldy, managing director, McLaren GT. “The GT racing scene is as exciting now as I can ever remember, and there is a huge amount of talent on every grid week-in week-out, so it can be difficult for young drivers to get on the first rung of the ladder to show their true potential. This programme is designed to offer young drivers we feel have something special a chance to show what they can do behind the wheel of a GT car, and also work closely with our drivers, engineers and technical teams, giving them access to many years of race- and championship-winning experience at the highest levels.’
Joining up with McLaren GT, the young drivers will benefit from involvement in the extensive development testing programs throughout 2015 undertaken by McLaren GT for the 650S Sprint and 650S GT3, They will take an active role in driver tuition with the calendar of Pure McLaren track driving experiences, as well as having direct access to various aspects of the business including simulator testing, driver coaching and management, and media activities.
