Abu Dhabi debut for new McLaren GT3

The new McLaren 650S GT3 contender will make its race debut in the the Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi in December.

McLaren, which has developed the car out of its existing MP4-12C GT3, has opted to use the race around the Yas Marina circuit on December 12 as a "final sign-off" for the car before the 650S is released to customers in time for the start of the 2015 season.

McLaren GT boss Andrew Kirkaldy said: "The development program of the 650S GT3 has been extensive already, with the team testing over thousands of kilometers in various conditions, but the Gulf 12 Hours will give us the opportunity to fully evaluate the car in a real-life race environment.

"It will be the toughest test the 650S GT3 has faced so far: a real race situation with a highly competitive grid in high ambient temperatures."

Drivers have yet to be announced for Abu Dhabi, but it is likely that it will utilise its roster of factory drivers made up of Alvare Parente, Rob Bell and Kevin Estre.

The 650S is built around the same twin-turbo V8 engine and carbon-composite monocoque as the MP4-12C, but has new suspension, bodywork and transmission.

MP4-12C owners will be able to upgrade their cars to the new specification.