Andrew Watson will join Objective Racing in the McLaren 650s GT3 for the 2019 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.
The 23-year-old from Donaghmore Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland, will make his third start at the iconic 12-hour race after two previous visits to the race saw him finish in 9th place overall in 2016 before finishing 11th outright – 5th in the ProAm class – driving a YNA Autosport McLaren 650S GT3 with Scott McLaughlin, Fraser Ross and Alexander West in 2018.
Andrew will once again be behind the wheel of the McLaren 650s GT3, a car he knows extremely well and the car he picked up his first overall Blancpain GT podium in this season at Paul Ricard and also secured class-pole position in at the 24 Hours of Spa.
Excited to be making his third appearance at this favourite track in the world, Andrew is keen to get involved straight away and collect a good result for the team.
“It’s amazing to be going back to my favourite track in the world. Getting a lap together around the mountain is the best feeling there is. I’ve been twice now so I know the circuit and it’s such a well-organised event. I’ve met a lot of great people on my last two trips so I’m looking forward to catching up with everyone.”
“We’ve had the pace in the McLaren before and with this lineup, alongside Tony and Warren I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in and doing everything we can to get a result for the whole team. Thanks to Tony and everyone at Objective Racing and McElrea Racing for the opportunity!”
Hosted on the Mount Panorama circuit at the beginning of February, the track is a world-renowned circuit located in Bathurst, New South Wales, and is known as the spiritual home of Australian Motor Racing. Mount Panorama is unique in its rural setting, with over 40 private residences located around the circuit.
Driving for the Objective Racing team for the first time, and partnering Tony Walls and Warren Luff in the team, Tony Walls is delighted to have Andrew join the squad.
“We’ll be running myself, Luffy and Andrew Watson next year,” Tony Walls confirmed.
“He’s run there the last few years and did a good job last year in particular. He’s driven the McLaren all year in Blancpain with Garage 59 so he knows the car well. We wanted to find someone experienced and Andrew has the miles in the car and at the track. In the end I’ll have to do a bit more work in the race (with three instead of four drivers) but I’m really happy with the plans we have for the race.”
Image courtesy of Objective Racing