7TSIX have confirmed their McLaren GT3 line-up for the 2023 Hankook 24H Dubai: Fran Rueda, James Cottingham, Andrew Gilbert and Matúš Výboh.
The Dubai race will be the first 24-hour race for the Yorkshire-based team, which launched at the start of 2022 ahead of a full British GT campaign, the Pro-Am entry took 4th-place at Donington Park as they scored points in all-but-one round of the championship.
The team also made a one-off entry in the GT Cup, along with the GT Open Cup / International GT Open double-header weekend at Monza. The team’s best result came at Snetterton over the summer with victory in the Britcar Endurance Championship.
Fran Rueda is no stranger to the McLaren, having enjoyed significant success with the 720S GT3 during his time as a works driver with the brand. He is joined by accomplished historic racer James Cottingham, who made a move into GT3 competition for the 2022 race season, competing on the British GT grid and securing several podiums during his debut full season.
With previous Ferrari Challenge experience, Andrew Gilbert returns to the cockpit of the McLaren for the 24H Dubai event having contested selected rounds of the International GT Open calendar alongside Fran earlier this year. The pair scored an impressive best-placed 6th ahead of a confirmed full-season entry in 2023.
Completing the entry is Slovakia-born Matúš Výboh who has competed in the Ferrari Challenge for the past three years. He made his GT3 debut during the 2021 season, racing in the Am class of the 24H GT Series in Europe, scoring one victory and further podiums at each of the championship events.
“It is great to be starting the season so early in the New Year, and getting things underway. We had a strong foundation year, but we have continued to grow as a team, pushing ourselves with new challenges, and I am really pleased to be confirming our first 24-hour race. The 24H Dubai event is a real challenge for drivers, cars, and the team, so it will be a baptism of fire for the new year, but I am confident in the team we have and the exciting driver line-up we have put together.
“Fran knows the car well, and he and Andrew combined well earlier this season to score some impressive results in Europe. James showed himself to be one of the quickest Ams on the British GT grid last season, while Matúš has shown some real ability during his debut GT3 season against a strong field.
“We are currently evaluating the various options and future opportunities for the team, and have seen significant interest in several events from drivers, including the Abu Dhabi 6 Hours. With the team and the car out in the Middle East for the start of the year, there is a lot of opportunity to gain experience and run in some great events at some fantastic venues,” Joe Edge, 7TSIX team owner.
