Derani, Senna Entered in Third Garage 59 McLaren for 24H Spa

Garage 59 has confirmed a third McLaren 650S GT3 for the Total 24 Hours of Spa, which will see Pipo Derani, Bruno Senna and Duncan Tappy share the wheel in the additional Pro Cup entry.

Following recent wins in the Paul Ricard 1000km and Nürburgring Sprint Cup rounds of the Blancpain GT Series, the McLaren team has now turned its focus towards the blue riband event of the series, where it will defend its championship lead.

The third McLaren will see an all-star lineup, with McLaren regulars Tappy and Senna being joined by Derani.

Following several outings in the Brazilian GT championship back in 2009 and 2010, the Rolex 24 at Daytona and Twelve Hours of Sebring winner will make his return behind the wheel of a GT car, which in theory should give him an outright shot at the overall win in the Belgian enduro.

Tappy adds this one-off in the Blancpain GT Series to his International GT Open program where he has enjoyed victory and several podiums with the team, while Senna raced in the Total 24 Hours of Spa debut of 650S GT3 with VonRyan Racing in 2015.

“We have enjoyed some great successes so far in the Blancpain GT Series and International GT Open Championships, it is so great to have the opportunity to fly the British flag for the team at this great event with three cars on the grid,” commented Garage 59 team manager Bas Leinders.

“The drivers we have onboard for the season are working well together and the team is proving to be very strong along with the car.

“The addition of the third car with the drivers that we have confirmed today stand us in good stead for a strong showing at the Total 24 Hours of Spa.”

The regular full-season Garage 59 lineups remain unchanged, with championship leaders Rob Bell, Shane van Gisbergen and Côme Ledogar entered in the No. 58 McLaren, and Alex Fontana, Struan Moore and Andrew Watson in the No. 59 car.

Garage 59 will take part in tomorrow’s official test day for the Total 24 Hours of Spa.