Gulf Racing switch to McLaren MP4-12C for 2012

The UAE-based squad currently compete in the GTE-Am class of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, under the 'Gulf AMR Middle East' entry.

Team co-owner and driver Mike Wainwright said explained: "One only has to look at the heritage of the McLaren MP4-12C to see what a superb racing car it promises to be.

"We are convinced this is the right path for us to take to allow us to fully enjoy our racing - which, don't forget, we do for leisure and pleasure and not as a profession.

"McLaren GT assures its teams of a race car that will be high quality, reliable and drivable and that sounded perfect for us."

Roald Goethe, like Wainwright a driver and co-owner of the team, added: "We haven't yet finalised our plans for 2012 but, looking at what's available in GT3 , such as the FIA GT3 Championship and the Blancpain Endurance Series, as well as stand-alone events such as the Dubai 24 Hours, there is plenty of choice for a team such as ours."

It has not been confirmed whether the McLaren will run in the famous blue-orange Gulf livery. The team will continue to run its Aston Martin Vantage, but said it was the obvious choice to add the McLarens next year.

AUTOSPORT revealed at the end of 2010 that McLaren would return to sportscar racing through the MP4-12C, a limited number of which it would supply to compete in GT3.

McLaren says that at least ten teams have already committed to purchasing the 12C for next year, including ASM Team and Apex Motorsport.