Champions Blattner, Marschall Swap to Garage 59 McLaren

Photo: Garage 59

Reigning Asian Le Mans Series GT champions Dustin Blattner and Dennis Marschall have swapped Ferrari machinery for a McLaren to defend their title after being announced as part of Garage 59’s lineup.

Blattner and Marschall claimed last season’s championship alongside Chris Lulham at the wheel of a Kessel Racing Ferrari 296 GT3, but will race a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo this time around and will be paired with Garage 59 regular Tom Fleming.

As well as their two seasons together in a Kessel Ferrari, which landed the duo this year’s GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup Bronze title, they have also shared a Rutronik Porsche 911 GT3 R in the past — while Marschall has previously raced BMW and Audi machinery as well. However, the McLaren move represents a new direction for the pair.

Garage 59’s sister car will then be piloted by Marco Pulcini, who returns to the squad having previously raced for it in International GT Open, Freddie Tomlinson — who has driven a McLaren for Optimum Motorsport in GTWC Europe this year — and team regular Joseph Loake.

“There’s a great mix of experience, proven success and young talent across both cars, and every one of the six drivers brings something different to the program,” said team principal Andrew Kirkaldy.

“With 29 GT3 cars and eight manufacturers on the grid, we know the competition is going to be incredibly strong, but that’s exactly the sort of challenge we want.

“We’ll be the only team running McLarens, so there’s a responsibility that comes with that too.

“The aim is to be competitive from the outset and put ourselves in the fight for strong results across all six races.”

The Asian LMS season is due to get under way at Paul Ricard on Nov. 14-15.

Source: Sports Car 365