The season-opening race of the Blancpain Endurance Series in Monza next month will welcome no fewer than ten 12C GT3s lined up on the grid, the cars having already completed the race series’ official test at Paul Ricard. Meanwhile, two teams will be running the 12C GT3 in the German VLN series – which includes the world-famous Nürburgring 24 Hours in May. Other race series scheduled to see the new McLaren GT3 include the ADAC GT Masters and the British GT Championship – not to mention the FIA GT1 World Championship, as well as the forthcoming 24-hour races at Spa-Francorchamps and the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain.

Among the drivers already confirmed are ex-F1 pilots Mark Blundell and David Brabham, while McLaren Automotive’s Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin will also contest selected races in a 12C GT3 throughout the season.

Given McLaren’s race pedigree, 2012 looks set to be a seriously exciting season of motorsport, with the 12C GT3 injecting a new lease of life into the international sportscar calendar.

Photo/Video: McLaren