After a commendable stint with BMW in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Sean Gelael and Darren Leung are set to embrace a new adventure with McLaren, as they prepare for their second LMGT3 season in 2025. The duo, who notably clinched victory at the Imola WEC round last April while driving a WRT BMW M4 GT3 alongside Augusto Farfus, will now steer the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo for United Autosports. This transition marks a significant shift in their racing careers, reflecting a strategic move towards a team with robust ambitions and a distinct identity in the WEC landscape.
Gelael, an ex-Formula 2 driver whose journey through the racing classes includes a notable three-year tenure with WRT, expressed palpable enthusiasm regarding the upcoming season. “I am super-excited to be in a car with United Autosports,” the 28-year-old Indonesian stated, highlighting a competitive spirit cultivated through years as rivals both in LMP2 and LMGT3. As the silver-rated driver alongside bronze-rated Leung, Gelael’s transition signifies not just a new car but a potential redefinition of his racing prowess, especially after narrowly missing championship glory in past seasons.
Meanwhile, Leung, at 37, approaches his second WEC season with a sense of pride and an eagerness to contribute to United Autosports’ goals. As the 2023 British GT Championship titlist, his comments reflect not only his race focus but also a connection to his roots, emphasizing that driving for a Yorkshire-based team adds a special dimension to his role. His aspirations resonate well as he prepares to navigate iconic circuits worldwide, armed with the experience garnered throughout these formative years in racing.
In this new line-up, Gelael and Leung will partner with gold-rated driver Marino Sato, a dynamic that promises to yield positive outcomes. The addition of Sato, confirmed shortly after the release of the 2025 WEC entry list, brings fresh energy and skill to the McLaren team. This collaborative spirit aims to forge a robust synergy among drivers—a crucial element for championship success. Gelael’s past achievements alongside Leung provide a promising foundation, while Sato’s role will likely enhance their competitive edge.
United Autosports remains tight-lipped on additional team members for their second entry, the #59 car driven by Gregoire Saucy, which leaves some intrigue regarding the overall team composition. This strategic secrecy could signal intense preparation and planning for the upcoming season, as United seeks to capitalize on its resources in pursuit of excellence in the WEC.
As Gelael and Leung embark on this new chapter with McLaren, their shared experiences and aspirations could well culminate in a quest for the championship that has eluded them in previous seasons. Fans and stakeholders alike will be eager to witness how their move influences both their performances and the overarching narrative of the WEC in 2025. The combination of seasoned skill and new adventures sets the stage for an exciting year ahead, with McLaren’s developmental prowess likely playing a pivotal role in their success. The anticipation continues to build as these racers prepare to leave their mark on the enduring legacy of endurance racing.
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