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www.QV500.com - McLaren F1 Part 5: The GTR ’95 |
 GTR '95 06R, 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours |
Following requests for factory-prepared race cars from several existing owners, McLaren found themselves producing a batch of sensational GTR's suitable for the BPR Championship and Le Mans. Despite never having been conceptualised as a racer, the hugely accomplished F1 swept aside Ferrari, Lister, Lotus, Porsche and Chrysler to win the 1995, ‘96 and ’97 Championship's. Had it not been for the acrimonious debuts of Porsche's GT1 and the Mercedes CLK GTR (little more than scratch built prototypes without any street pretension), the F1 may not have been toppled for several more years. |
It seems inconceivable that in years to come, F1 GTR's won't rank alongside the Ferrari 250 GT, Ford GT40 and Porsche 935 as its era's finest GT racer. Just 28 GTR's were made in three successive variations, one for each of the 1995, '96 and '97 seasons. 1995-spec GTR's received a number of upgrades over the stock F1, however, BPR regulations dictated the transition from road to race car was a relatively straightforward affair. Firstly, the ride height was lowered by 45mm at the front and 40mm at the rear while rigid aluminium suspension bushes were fitted in place of the rubber production units. The standard F1's camber geometry was retained although the GTR ’95 did get carbon brake discs and bigger 18-inch OZ magnesium wheels. A revised Type S70/3 GTR engine was fitted, the regulations stipulating the powerplant breathe through air-restrictor's limiting output to 600bhp at 7500rpm. |
 GTR '95 01R, 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours |
But despite being 27bhp down, the GTR's sophisticated TAG engine management was re-mapped to optimum effect. Extra cooling was required for the almost standard gearbox, the transmission even retaining full synchromesh although it was fitted with straight cut gears. Some bodywork changes were inevitable and the GTR's nose was modified to accomodate a wraparound deep front spoiler and boxier air intakes. There were additional ducts on the front lid, other changes incuding side skirts, squared off wheelarches and a large engine and brake-cooling vent carved out ahead of each rear wheel. |
A quick fuel filler cap replaced the standard system while at the back, a huge adjustable rear wing with electronic stabilisers was mounted. For Le Mans, some cars were fitted with NACA scoops alongside the headlights. GTR cabins were stripped of all the road cars luxurious fixtures and fittings, there was the obligatory roll cage, a solitary composite bucket seat, lightweight Lexan windows, a fire extinguishing system and digital Stack information for the driver. McLaren’s debut season in the BPR GT Championship saw the GTR ’95 take an emphatic ten victories, the winning machines including 02R (five wins), 03R (two), 06R (three) and of course 01R with its one race and one victory. This came at the 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours and would be McLaren's finest moment with the F1. Nine GTR ’95's were constructed during the first half of 1995, the chassis numbers and histories of which are listed in Part 6. Major McLaren F1 GTR Race Victories - 1995 |
| Race | Chassis | Team & Sponsor | Drivers |
| Jerez 4 Hours | 02R | Gulf / GTC | Bellm / Sala |
| Paul Ricard 4 Hours | 02R | Gulf / GTC | Bellm / Sala |
| Monza 4 Hours | 03R | West / Dave Price Racing | Bscher / Nielson |
| Jarama 4 Hours | 02R | Gulf / GTC | Bellm / Sala |
| Nurburgring 4 Hours | 02R | Gulf / GTC | Bellm / Sala |
| Donington 4 Hours | 03R | West / Dave Price Racing | Bscher / Nielson |
| Le Mans 24 Hours | 01R | KKR / Lanzante | Lehto / Dalmas / Sekiya |
| Suzuka 1000kms | 02R | Gulf / GTC | Wallace / Grouillard |
| Silverstone 4 Hours | 06R | Harrods / Mach One | Wallace / Grouillard |
| Nogaro 4 Hours | 06R | Harrods / Mach One | Wallace / Grouillard |
| Zhuhai 3 Hours | 06R | Harrods / Mach One | Wallace / Grouillard |
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 GTR '95 01R, 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours |
