Oliver Turvey demonstrated the pace and potential of the McLaren GT3 in preparations for the Spa Francorchamps 24-Hours last weekend but missed out on the chance to race when team-mate Andrew Kirkaldy crashed out early.
Turvey, who has led the development of the new McLaren GT machine and was partnered with Kirkaldy and Alvaro Parente for the weekend, paraded the car through Spa town centre before setting the early pace, topping the times in pre-qualifying by more than a second over his closest rival.
But technical issues then got in the way of what had initially promised to be a competitive weekend, and with the team unable to run the car during the driest part of a wet qualifying session they were forced to start the race from 37th on the grid.
An enforced engine change then saw them receive a 5-minute stop-go penalty before the race had even begun and although the car showed good pace again with Kirkaldy in the driving seat, a collision with another car saw him pitched out of the race before Turvey or Parente had time behind the wheel.
“I had been looking forward to racing in the Spa 24 Hours since the beginning of the season and I was pleased that when I got a chance to drive the car in the pre-qualifying session I went quickest,” said Turvey. “After that, though, sadly I didn’t get much of a chance to drive the car.”
The collision, which saw Kirkaldy hit a wall hard and destroy the front of the car, was particularly disappointing for the mechanics, who had worked through the night to prepare the car for the race – but with the promising pace and the safe return of Kirkaldy to the pits, Turvey was quick to see the positive side.
“I’m pleased that Andrew was ok and it shows that the McLaren GT3 car is a strong and safe car,” he said. “I stayed to support the team through the remainder of the 24 Hour race and the number 60 McLaren GT3 car made it to the finish, so that was great to see.
“Getting one car to the finish of that race was a fantastic achievement for the team considering this is a new car and still in its development stage. I am proud to have been a part of that development so far, and now I can’t wait to get back in the car for the next race at Magny-Cours in France.”