While the World Endurance Championship (WEC) has just completed its first race of the season in Imola, McLaren Racing has announced the name of the car with which it will return to compete in the Hypercar category, the most prestigious class in endurance racing. This was revealed through a teaser showing details of the front end. The two prototypes from the Woking-based manufacturer will be named MCL-HY. The test livery will be unveiled on May 4, just before its track debut.
The name continues McLaren’s use of the “MCL” prefix, already used in Formula 1, combined with “HY” for Hypercar.
With this car, McLaren aims to renew its rivalry with Ferrari, bringing back a battle in the WEC that has long defined Formula 1 as well.
The brand also returns to endurance racing with the goal of reliving its past glory, particularly its victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995.
Alongside the race version, there will also be a special track-only variant called the MCL-HY GTR, developed in collaboration with McLaren Automotive, as part of the “Project: Endurance” track-day program.
“Bringing McLaren back to the top of motorsport is a very important achievement,” said James Barclay, Executive Director of McLaren Endurance Racing. “We are living in a golden era for sportscar racing, and the Hypercar category continues to enjoy enormous success.”