McLaren Names 2019 Junior Development Drivers

McLaren Automotive has announced the four drivers who will be part of the British manufacturer’s Driver Development Program in 2019.

James Dorlin, Josh Smith and Jordan Collard join Lewis Proctor in the year-old scheme which is designed to develop future talent in GT racing.

All four drivers will be paired up to race the McLaren 570S GT4 next season, with exact program details to be announced in the new year.

19-year-old Dorlin recently finished second in the Renault Clio Cup UK series, taking six race wins and four pole positions.

Collard, 18,  is a certified British Racing Drivers Club ‘rising star’ and accrued wins in Mini Challenge this year, while 19-year-old Smith won the prestigious Formula Ford Festival meeting in October. 

Proctor, meanwhile, rejoins the program for a second year after racing a 570S GT4 in the British GT Championship this season.

The 2019 inductees will receive performance analysis throughout the year as well as access to support and mentoring from McLaren’s pool of factory drivers.  

“I am delighted that the McLaren Automotive driver development program commences its second year with the four excellent young drivers confirmed today for 2019,” said McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt.

“We established the program to help gifted young drivers realize their motorsport ambitions, providing professional tuition and guidance to foster their racing talent.”

The three members of the inaugural 2018 Driver Development Program who are not continuing next year will remain involved in McLaren Automotive’s racing operations.

Michael O’Brien and Charlie Fagg, who finished second in the British GT4 standings, will move to the newly-established McLaren Automotive Junior Performance Academy.

Both drivers will be placed with McLaren GT4 customer teams next season, with O’Brien already confirmed at British GT squad Balfe Motorsport.

Jordan Albert will also leave the Driver Development Program but has been re-assigned to working on brand events including the single-make Pure McLaren series.