McLaren launches 720S GT3 EVO

McLaren has launched the updated version of its GT3 challenger, the 720S GT3 EVO, which will be homologated for competition in 2023. The car will be eligible to compete in races around the world on national and international levels, and will aim to build on the success of its predecessor, which has proven to be quick, and has won titles in Asia, the US and in Europe.

The EVO has several key bodywork improvements, the company tells us, including the front bumper and rear splitter being fitted with quick-release fasteners for easy removal and replacement. Aero has been improved too, increasing downforce, as well as shifting the overall balance of the car forwards.

The development team is hoping this will improve the car’s performance in traffic, as well as over a stint.

A front bonnet gurney also helps with balance and improves cooling, while the auxiliary lamp positions have been changed for better night time visibility in longer-distance events.

The rear wing pylon mechanism is now more easily adjusted, and the rear wing gurney is taller to enhance downforce without upsetting overall balance.

Under the skin, the car has also had something of a revamp. New Öhlins TTX40 four-way adjustable dampers with high frequency pistons have been introduced and the front and rear upper wishbones changed, with the front now adjustable to improve tyre management options, a key factor in making the car more competitive in Balance of Performance formulae.

The rear suspension has improved geometry to suit upright changes, while the uprights themselves are also new, with the front featuring a bolted brake caliper for quick changes of the whole system as a unit and a built-in track rod clevis, making it more robust in wheelto-wheel contact situations. This also applies to the rear upright, which also benefits from new geometry for tyre management to increase set-up options.

Finally, the car has closed face bells for improved brake disc durability.

‘The McLaren 720S GT3 has been an incredible success in GT3 racing since its phenomenal debut four years ago, leading the Gulf 12 Hour race for several hours,’ says Ian Morgan, director of motorsport for McLaren Automotive. ‘In that time we have maintained a close relationship with our customer racing teams and have incorporated many of their recommendations into the new EVO package, improving consistence of performance and serviceability, which will ensure the McLaren 720S continues to set the pace in GT3 racing for many more years to come. Teams running the existing car can purchase the complete update kit, while the EVO itself is available to order now.

Three-phase safety for 24 Hours of Le Mans

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has changed the safety car procedure for its showcase event at Le Mans in June in a bid to make the racing better. The 13.6km Circuit de la Sarthe requires three safety cars to manage the 62 cars, and races have been won or lost by falling behind the ‘wrong’ safety car. Balance of Performance makes it harder still for cars to make up any lost time and so the ACO has introduced a format that will allow cars to close up behind one safety car before a restart.

There will be three phases of the new restart. First, the field will bunch up behind one safety car. Second, cars that have their class leader behind them will be allowed to pass the sole safety car. Third, cars will align in their respective groups before the green flag falls. The only exception to this rule is if the race is in its final hour.

The plan will only be introduced at Le Mans, the one circuit on the WEC calendar that requires more that one safety car to neutralise all competitors after an accident.