• Number 95 McLaren GT3 EVO scores crucial championship points in second FIA WEC round of 2025
• Both McLaren GT3 EVO cars challenge for Hyperpole top ten shoot-out
• United Autosports team performs well at circuit not expected to favour the McLaren GT3 EVO cars
The United Autosports McLaren GT3 EVO scored valuable points in round two of the FIA World Endurance Championship despite not being favoured for victory at the historic Imola circuit near Bologna.
The United Autosports team and drivers performed well in qualifying to set the fourth and fifth fastest times and head into Hyperpole top ten shoot-out session. Despite drivers Sean Gelael and Seb Baud improving their times, the McLaren GT3 EVO cars lined up eighth and ninth on the grid for the six-hour race.
Working to a fuel-saving strategy in order to minimise time spent in the pits, the drivers dropped back from their initial starting positions but were able to conserve fuel in the opening 90 minutes of the race. Unfortunately, this advantage was later nullified with a Safety Car intervention.
Nevertheless, both crews drove well, with the 95 car coming home to earn two important championship points. The two McLaren GT3 EVO cars now sit third and ninth in the standings, ahead of next round at Spa-Francorchamps, where the United Autosports McLarens came tantalisingly close to victory last year.
'This weekend was tougher than expected, but we came to Imola with realistic goals as this circuit doesn't play to the strengths of the McLaren GT3 EVO. James Cottingham and Darren Leung were particularly impressive this weekend – their qualifying performances were top tier. Thank you to the team as always, I'm looking forward to what we can achieve in Spa.'
Richard Dean, CEO, United Autosports
'Having shown race-winning pace in Qatar, we knew the Imola circuit would be a trickier prospect for the McLaren GT3 EVO. Fighting for a championship is all about taking points when you can, and that's exactly what the drivers of the 95 car did. It's Spa next and we came close to winning last year, so we're optimistic it will suit us better and we can once again challenge at the front.'
Ian James, Director of Motorsport, McLaren Automotive
Photo credit: McLaren posted on conceptcarz.com
