The McLaren 650S GT3 returned to racing in Australia this weekend with the CAMS Australian GT Championship supporting the 2016 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix in Albert Park. Despite a strong field, and a tough opening race, the McLaren GT customer teams soon got to grips with the circuit and tricky conditions, securing a race win and three further podiums.
Five examples of the 650S GT3 contested a highly competitive grid over the course of the weekend, which marked the first time the McLaren had raced in Melbourne. With the championship returning to Albert Park for the first time in six years, racing was of the highest levels, and the opening round proved extremely difficult for the McLaren GT customer teams, with Tekno Autosports driver Nathan Morcom the only one to finish in the top 10.
This early setback proved to be short-lived, and the second race of the weekend saw a turn in fortunes as the weather played a part in the final outcome. Greasy conditions after an earlier rain shower saw the grid split between slick and wet Pirelli P Zero tyres, and this decision was to be a key factor in the final outcome. The final result saw Morcom take overall race victory for Tekno Autosports, heading four McLarens in the top five.
The third and fourth races of the weekend were completed in less challenging conditions, but were no less intense or action-packed. Close racing to the chequered flags of each ensured the crowds were not disappointed as the CAMS Australian GT Championship continued to prove itself as one of the most fiercely fought. Customer teams Darrell Lea and Objective Racing secured a podium finish each to complete another strong weekend for the 650S GT3. The weekend results see Klark Quinn now second in the championship with Darrell Lea, while Nathan Morcom and Tekno Autosports lie closely behind in third.
Note: Press release courtesy of McLaren Automotive.