The motorsport world is buzzing with excitement as Sean Gelael and Darren Leung, celebrated winners in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), make a noteworthy switch from BMW to McLaren for their upcoming racing campaign in 2025. Following a successful year that saw them clinch victory at the Imola round while racing the WRT BMW M4 GT3 alongside Augusto Farfus, the duo is set to take the track in a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo under the United Autosports banner. This move not only marks a new chapter in their racing careers but also showcases the dynamic nature of endurance racing.
Commitment and Team Dynamics
In the hierarchy of racing classifications, Gelael and Leung will fill designated roles within the United Autosports squad, with Gelael assuming the position of a silver-rated driver and Leung stepping in as a bronze-rated competitor. Joining them will be Marino Sato, who brings gold-rated experience to the team. The announcement of this line-up was made alongside the release of the preliminary 2025 WEC entry list. For Gelael, who has transitioned from LMP2 racing where he dedicated three seasons to WRT, this new partnership suggests a wealth of potential. The charismatic Indonesian expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with Sato for the first time and rekindling the competitive spirit with Leung, indicating that past successes could pave the way for future victories.
At 28, Gelael reflects on his previous campaigns, aiming to break through after finishing as a runner-up in two separate seasons—first with Jota in 2021 and this past year with WRT. His excitement is palpable as he looks forward to this fresh start, hoping to capitalize on their combined experiences to push for the championship title. Meanwhile, Leung, who has recently achieved significant success in the British GT Championship, is embracing the opportunity to race with a Yorkshire-based team, a fact that holds personal significance for him. His history in racing is relatively recent, with the upcoming season marking just his fifth year in the sport, yet he describes the support and ambition of United Autosports and McLaren as motivational forces driving his commitment to the team.
The allure of racing on iconic circuits worldwide is another element that excites Leung. His comments about wanting to contribute to the team’s efforts underline a profound competitive attitude that reflects his rapid ascent within the motorsport community. The ambitious duo seems poised not only for personal achievements but also for elevating the United Autosports legacy in the WEC.
With team-mate Gregoire Saucy still confirmed to be continuing in the sister #59 car, expectations are high for a solid season ahead. As the duo prepares to navigate the challenges of endurance racing, motorsport enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating how the fresh dynamics within this team will unfold in the high-stakes environment of the 2025 WEC season.
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