McLaren 650S GT3

The number 58 McLaren 650S GT3 had an outing like you would see in a movie this past weekend. Competing in the Blancpain Endurance Series the car driven by, Rob Bell, Shane van Gisbergen and Kevin Estre, had problems in qualifying and ended up starting in 24th position.

They fought their way through the field and used a bold strategy to manage to get a victory at the Nurburgring. The win was the second of the year for a 650S GT3 which is the only model to secure victory that many times in the competitive GT series.

Just what was this strategy that helped them work their way to the front? They kept each driver in the car for as long as was allowed by the rules. This allow for faster pit stops which, coupled with some on track incidents and good drive, helped the Von Ryan Racing team manage to finish first.

Kevin Estre, Factory Driver, McLaren GT

“A fantastic way to end such a great debut season with the 650S GT3 and Von Ryan Racing. Rob [Bell] and Shane [van Gisbergen] drove faultless stints, and the calls by the team throughout were brilliantly calculated. That final stint was really exciting, and the car felt great as we reeled in the leaders. The strategy won us the race, and a lead of 14 seconds as I crossed the line shows what a great job the team did.”

Shane van Gisbergen, Factory Driver, McLaren GT

“We pushed everything to the absolute limit this weekend, and got everything out of the car that we could. Qualifying that far down the grid meant we had it all to do, but the team did a fantastic job to give us a car capable of consistently quick laptimes, and the strategy was absolutely perfect. The 650S GT3 has proved itself to be one of the best on the grid this year, and it is great to end the season stood on the top step of the podium.”

Rob Bell, Factory Driver, McLaren GT

“An amazing strategy call by the team and a bulletproof car won us that race. It’s fair to say qualifying didn’t go to plan, but we knew we were in a good position with the set up of the car so we had a strong chance, but the decision to pit early was what made the difference. When the call came over the radio from my engineer that we were going to ‘roll the dice’ with the strategy, I was a little bit surprised, but it was absolutely the right move. A fantastic way to end the year with Von Ryan Racing, and score another victory for the 650S GT3 in its debut season.”

Andrew Kirkaldy, Managing Director, McLaren GT

“Congratulations to all at Von Ryan Racing and the support staff from McLaren GT. A thoroughly deserved victory after an incredibly bold strategy, which they pulled off to perfection. The Blancpain Endurance Series is one of the most challenging GT championships in the world, and to win at this level is a huge achievement, so for the 650S GT3 to be the only car to have scored a double victory shows the strength of the car, and is a real credit to Von Ryan Racing and the drivers who have continued to move the performance forward all season.”