McLaren GT3 EVO Challenges Top Ranks at FIA World Endurance Championship in Fuji
United Autosports demonstrated their race-winning capabilities with McLaren Automotive at the FIA World Endurance Championship Six Hours of Fuji, with their McLaren GT3 EVO cars achieving eighth and seventeenth positions following a late safety car intervention that thwarted their podium hopes.
The action commenced promisingly, showing a leading pace during practice, with Marino Sato setting the fastest time in the initial session. Teammates Josh Caygill in car #95 and James Cottingham in car #59 advanced to the Hyperpole session, securing third and fifth positions on the grid, respectively.
As the race unfolded, Caygill and Cottingham skillfully navigated to second and third places at the first corner, maintaining these positions in the early laps. However, car #95 encountered a setback that dropped it off the lead lap, ultimately finishing seventeenth. Conversely, car #59, piloted by Nicolas Costa, led the LMGT3 category by lap 56. Despite leading most of the race, a late Safety Car erased their lead, resulting in a closely contested final 45 minutes and an eighth-place finish due to tyre wear.
The team and its drivers now prepare for a six-week break before the championship concludes in Bahrain from October 31 to November 2. They aim to end the season triumphantly.
Richard Dean, CEO of United Autosports, reflected on the mixed outcomes, stating, "After consistent strong performances, this race has been a reality check. Car #95 had a promising start but faced challenges early on. It's unfortunate, especially since the team executed flawlessly. Car #59 led comfortably until the late Safety Car negated our strategic advantage."
Mick McDonagh, Director of MSO Motorsport at McLaren Automotive, added, "This weekend was challenging for both cars, yet it marks a significant learning curve in our inaugural year. The cars' pace is encouraging, and while the results were decided by mere seconds, our victory seems imminent."
