After looking at Justin Bell do some work around Mid-Ohio in a 1996 McLaren F1 GTR, I just got all sorts of nostalgic. Of course after the release of the engineering marvel, the McLaren P1, anyone with a brain had to be wondering: will they follow up with a racing variant?
Well, that has been officially confirmed now.
If it were the 1990s I'd probably say "Duh!"
From the sounds of McLaren's press release you're not just buying a racecar. Essentially, you're buying a racecar and some hardcore consulting with the McLaren racing team. This includes consultations with the McLaren driver fitness team, access to their racing simulators and six international driving events to be held on Formula 1 circuits. Yeah, it's that serious.
And it should be for 1.98 million GBP.
Read the FULL details release so far, below!
McLaren's press release follows:
McLAREN AUTOMOTIVE TO BESTOW ICONIC BADGE ON ULTIMATE TRACK-FOCUSED McLAREN P1™ GTR
13/06/14
Twenty years on from victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans by the now legendary McLaren F1 GTR, McLaren Automotive will resurrect the iconic name from its history for the track-only edition of the award-winning McLaren P1™. The limited-run model will go into production when the 375th and final example of the road car has been completed, and in homage to its race-winning ancestor, the most powerful McLaren to date will be named the McLaren P1™ GTR.
With no need to comply with road legislation, the McLaren P1™ GTR will be designed and developed as the best drivers' car in the world on track. This will see even greater levels of performance, grip, aerodynamics and downforce than the road car. It will also feature technologies and a powertrain more extreme with an intended power output of 1,000PS (986 bhp), race-proven slick tyres, a widened track and more aggressive and distinctive styling designed to offer optimised performance around a lap.
The decision to produce a track-only variant is in response to demand to McLaren P1™ owners. The McLaren P1™ GTR programme will be priced at £1.98m, and will include a tailored programme created for each customer to build driver capability. It will include exclusive consultations with the McLaren driver fitness team and Design Director Frank Stephenson, privileged access to one of the McLaren racing simulators, and participation in a minimum of six dedicated international drive events to be held at some of the world's most iconic Formula 1™ circuits. Exact production numbers are still to be determined, but will be strictly limited.