Pantano to race McLaren in Blancpain GT

Former grand prix driver Giorgio Pantano is stepping up to the Blancpain Sprint Series with the Bhaitech McLaren team for the rest of the year.

Pantano, who won the GTS class for GT3 machinery in last year's GT Open series with the Italian team, will lead the Bhaitech's assault on the BSS with a pair of MP4-12Cs. He will share the car with fellow Italian Fabio Onidi, who took part in a short program of events in the championship in its FIA GT Series guise last year with the AF Corse Ferrari team.

"We had a good season last year in GT Open, but now we are moving up to a higher level," said Pantano. "It is a step up for us, but I believe we are ready for the challenge."

Pantano explained that he was now focused on becoming a top sports car driver after making the switch from open-wheelers last season.

"I really enjoy this type of racing and am looking to be a sports car driver from now on. This is my only program at the moment, but I would like to do some other longer races, like the Spa 24 Hours, if possible," he said.

The second McLaren entered by simulation company Bhaitech, which set up its race team last year, will be driven by Porsche Carrera Cup GB graduate Daniel Lloyd and Formula Renault 3.5 race winner Sten Pentus.

Lloyd, who finished fourth in Carrera Cup last year, said: "GT racing is a natural step up because the Porsche Supercup is too pricey and single-seaters have never been an option for me. This drive is perfect for me to showcase what I can go at a high level."

The deal follows Lloyd's first experience of a GT3 car with Bhaitech in testing at Adria and then Paul Ricard. He will also drive the Beechdean AMR Aston Martin Vantage V12 GT3 at the Silverstone and Spa Blancpain Endurance Series events.

Originally on Autosport.com