McLaren enters top sportscar racing ‘a matter of when not if’ – Brown RaceFans

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McLaren enters top-level sportscar racing ‘a matter of when not if’ – Brown

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown says McLaren getting involved in top-level sports car competition like IMSA is a matter of “when”, not “if”.

The introduction of hypercars and LMDh classes into endurance sports car racing through the World Endurance Championship and IMSA series has seen a host of manufacturers join their own programs – including Ferrari, Peugeot, BMW and Lamborghini, among others.

speaking on an episode of the Marshall Pruett podcastBrown admitted that McLaren’s participation in top-level sports car racing series like IMSA was something he felt the organization should pursue.

“I would really like to bring McLaren into top-level sports car racing,” Brown said. “I think we have to be there. I think it fits our brand.

“I have to make sure that when – that’s what I like to say rather than ‘if’ we get involved – we have to be able to do it right and everything else we do is in very good state.

“I think it’s in a few years. We need to make a decision quickly because now we know what we need to know to make a decision. It really depends on what’s going on in the world of McLaren as to when is the best time to enter.

Stuck not impressed Verstappen refused the order

Max Verstappen’s refusal to follow an order from his Red Bull team at the Brazilian Grand Prix revealed a “lack of discipline”, according to former Formula 1 driver Hans-Joachim Stuck.

Red Bull told Verstappen to allow Sergio Perez to pass him on the final lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix, but the world champion refused. Stuck, who scored two podiums in his six-year F1 career, says Verstappen was wrong to disobey them.

“The first commandment in Formula 1 is to follow the team’s instructions unconditionally, because the drivers have signed a contract. he told Eurosport.

Stuck said his former team principal, Bernie Ecclestone, shared his views on the incident. “He was very clear there,” he said. “If one of his drivers hadn’t followed such an instruction, Bernie would have kicked him out.”

Connections

Interesting motorsport links:

Jean Alesi’s Formula 1 Ferrari could fetch $3.1m at auction (Barron’s)

“The 1991 Ferrari 643 that officially launched the Formula 1 career of French racing driver Jean Alesi will be auctioned in February at RM Sotheby’s in Paris. It has a pre-sale estimate of between 2.9 and 3.4 million euros ($3.1 and $3.6 million). The sports car, with a chassis number of 127, remains in perfect running order, according to RM Sotheby’s. It has a 3.5 V12 engine liters producing more than 710 brake horsepower, the available horsepower of an engine, nearly six times that of a regular engine the car can achieve.”

A Very McLaren Christmas (McLaren)

“If at home you’re starting to experience withdrawal symptoms from motorsport, we’ve got some suggestions on how you can get through the off-season, from McLaren-themed books and films to LEGO cars and even racing gear. inspiring…”

Doohan expects to dominate next year after tough 2022 season (Formula 2)

“I’m looking forward to next year. I know I’m going to have a good package under me and I know I’m going to have a good crew around me, so I’m looking forward to nothing more than dominating the championship. . “

Try Veganuary this year? Paul McCartney and Lewis Hamilton want to help (Veg News)

“Global non-profit organization Veganuary is making January’s transition to veganism (and beyond) even easier this year with the release of The Vegan Kit. The kit is a gift set of advice and inspirational cards providing everything you need to know about going vegan, including motivational messages from compassionate celebrities such as Paul McCartney, Lewis Hamilton, Sara Pascoe, Evanna Lynch and Chris Packham.”

Hey, Jay // Sit down with IndyCar Chairman Jay Frye (IndyCar via YouTube)

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