McLaren Signs Kirchhofer as Factory Driver

McLaren Automotive has signed Marvin Kirchhofer to its factory driver lineup ahead of the 2022 season.

The 27-year-old from Germany will race for the British GT3 and GT4 manufacturer in a yet-to-be-confirmed program, alongside development and brand engagement roles.

Kirchhofer has largely raced Aston Martin Vantage GT3s in the seasons since his move to sports cars from GP2-level open-wheel racing at the end of 2016.

He initially drove Mercedes-AMGs, winning the Silver Cup class at the 2017 24 Hours of Spa with Black Falcon, before making his Aston Martin debut with R-Motorsport the following year.

Kirchhofer represented R-Motorsport in the Blancpain GT Series (now Fanatec GT World Challenge) Endurance Cup Pro category for two seasons and also finished second at the 2019 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour with the Swiss outfit.

His Aston Martin outings, which also included appearances for Garage 59, were complemented by an ADAC GT Masters role driving the Callaway Competition Corvette C7 GT3-R.

“Joining the McLaren family is really special,” said Kirchhofer.

“I’m incredibly proud to be racing and representing McLaren as a factory driver. I want to thank everyone involved who helped me to join such an amazing brand. Words can’t describe how happy I am right now!”

McLaren Automotive motorsport director Ian Morgan added: “It’s tremendously exciting for us to welcome Marvin onboard.

“For several seasons he has shown exceptional talent, speed, and the correct team mentality required in GT racing.”