The ‘Evo’ version of McLaren’s 720S GT3 is set to first appearance in the 24H SERIES powered by Hankook at this weekend’s Hankook 6H ABU DHABI with Britain’s Race-Lab. 

McLaren’s GT3 flagship has previously contested the Hankook 24H DUBAI in 2021 and 2023 (with Inception Racing with Optimum Motorsport and 7TSIX respectively), last year’s Hankook 12H SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS (with JR Motorsport) and even the inaugural Hankook 6H ABU DHABI in 2021, at which the Inception Racing-entered example qualified on outright pole position. The 2024 Hankook 6H ABU DHABI meanwhile will mark the first time the ‘Evo’ will compete in the 24H SERIES. 

Available as either a new-build race car or an update package for a team’s existing 720S GT3 (originally released in 2018), development on the Evo focused primarily on improving consistency of performance as well as serviceability. 

As a result, the 720S GT3 Evo features several tweaks to its bodywork, designed to improve the aerodynamics and increase downforce. Among the most notable changes are to the front bumper and splitter, which are now fitted with quick-release fastenings for easy removal and replacement. The new front bonnet gurney is also said to help with balance (which McLaren has attempted to shift further forwards) and cooling, while the auxiliary headlights have been shifted to improve night visibility. 

At the rear, the wing pylon mechanism can now be easily adjusted, and Woking has fitted a taller wing gurney to improve the downforce. Beneath the tweaked bodywork, revised suspension includes more adjustable wishbones (to help with tyre management) while new brakes, with closed face bells, should increase durability. 

The McLaren has been entered for the event for Britain’s Race Lab, a frontrunner in the British GT Championship in 2023, that will also make its 24H SERIES debut in Abu Dhabi. 

Former British GT class champion Euan Hankey, and SP3-class winner at the Hankook 24H DUBAI in 2015, will lead the British team’s driver line-up alongside Lucky Khera and Thomas Surgent. Hankey and Khera contested British GT together last year in the GT3 class (again with the McLaren), while Surgent competed in the McLaren-exclusive Pure GT Series in 2021 before moving to British GTs in the GT4 class in 2023. Both Khera and Surgent will start their first 24H SERIES events at Yas Marina, while the Hankook 6H ABU DHABI marks Hankey’s first series outing since the Hankook 24H DUBAI in 2018. 

“I’m very excited to be racing back at Abu Dhabi again,” Hankey explained on social media. “It will be fantastic to watch Thomas progress into the GT3 from the GT4 he has been in this season. It’s a big step and big achievement in itself. Having spent 2023 with Lucky, it’s a pleasure to be partnering with him in this upcoming race”

“Having watched Thomas race in the Trophy Championship, I am very much looking forward to racing with him and of course my pro driver Euan,” Khera continues. “It’s an exciting time to see RACELAB venture out to the UAE to add to the teams ever growing CV within motorsport. The circuit is a new one to me and as I’m sure any racing driver would agree, it’s always a thrill to learn and race on a new track. I can’t wait to be back behind the wheel and hopefully bring home some respectable results.”

A successful weekend for Race-Lab in Abu Dhabi could see the McLaren 720S GT3 secure its first overall podium in the 24H SERIES, besting the 4th place overall JR Motorsport took at Spa-Francorchamps last year. Surgent in particular believes both the pace of the McLaren and Race Lab’s driver line-up “should well position [the team] for success” in Abu Dhabi.

“Piloting the unrivaled 720S GT3 EVO at arguably the world’s most exceptional motorsports venue is a dream come true,” the American concludes. “Tackling this challenge whilst co-driving with accomplished pro Euan Hankey and the exceptionally talented Lucky Khera should well position us for success. I am also honored to be reunited with the Race Lab team, which always delivers a well sorted car, and thank Tentador Racing” – the primary partner for Race Lab at the Hankook 6H ABU DHABI – “for its patronage, without which this endeavour would not be possible.”

Though not yet fully confirmed, Race Lab has also expressed an interest in competing at the Hankook 24H DUBAI on 26-27-28 January.