McLaren F1 GTR

Information

Chassis originally destined for road car #019 but modified for use as an F1 GTR test car, as McLaren needed an internal test mule for the (then) new F1 GTR racing program.

Run by Lanzante Motorsport at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans (1st OA). Driven by JJ Lehto, Masanori Sekiya and Yannick Dalmas. Retired from competition use afterwards and retained by McLaren.

Japanese businessman Motokazu Sayama wanted to sponsor a race car at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, but there was no advertising space left on the six customer cars. He agreed to fund the refurbishment of GTR 01R and raced by Lanzante Motorsport under the Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing banner. While McLaren loaned the factory development mule and Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing provided the Ueno Clinic sponsorship, Lanzante was involved in race operations.

Bonnet mounted headlights were designed two days before the 1995 Le Mans race as a solution to illuminating the apex of corners during the night stint.