Credit: United Autosports
Richard Dean, the team boss of United Autosports, shared his insights on the differences between racing in prototype classes, specifically LMP2, and GT. Having been involved in prototype racing for many years, Dean is well-acquainted with the prototype driver market. However, he acknowledges that GT presents a whole new set of challenges.
Dean mentioned that he knows the individuals involved in LMP2 and understands their preferences when it comes to driving at different venues. However, GT offers a much larger driver market with numerous opportunities and choices. Drivers can opt to compete in IMSA or GT World Challenge, and they are not limited to participating in the Le Mans 24 Hours race. Dean highlighted the Spa 24 Hours as an incredible race that holds the same significance for GT drivers. He acknowledged that the GT driver market is distinct and wished he had more time to analyze and strategize, but the team only had a two-month window.
United Autosports last ventured into GT racing in 2015 when Phil Burgan drove their Audi R8 LMS Ultra in the GT Cup Championship. The following year, they achieved success in the European Le Mans Series LMP3 category, winning both the Drivers’ and Teams’ titles with their Ligier JS P3 machinery. They also participated in the inaugural Road to Le Mans races, which are support events for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In 2017, the team entered the LMP2 class of the ELMS and made their debut at Le Mans. They subsequently joined the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2019 and have been participating in both the WEC and ELMS ever since.
For the first time in their nine-year history in prototype racing, United Autosports’ CEO Richard Dean faced the task of selecting two LMGT3 driver lineups for their McLaren 720S Evos, namely the #59 and #95 cars. By the end of January, only one car had a confirmed driver lineup, with announcements for the second car scheduled for early February.
Dean acknowledged that launching a new program requires adequate lead time, which they did not have. McLaren also faced time constraints in producing a GT3 car that meets the requirements of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). The team encountered challenges during the application process and briefly faced uncertainty regarding their allocation of two LMGT3 spots to represent McLaren.
As the WEC season rapidly approaches, the team has now finalized their lineup. The #59 car will be driven by Gregoire Saucy, James Cottingham, and Nicolas Costa, while Marino Sato, Nico Pino, and Josh Caygill will pilot the #95 car.
Similar to other FIA WEC teams, United Autosports has been conducting testing ahead of the official pre-season Prologue test, which will take place on 24-25 February at the Qatari Losail International Circuit.
According to the Source motorsportweek.com