As reported by Sportscar365, Volante Rosso Motorsport has strengthened its 2026 GTWC Australia powered by AWS programme with the acquisition of a second McLaren 720S GT3 Evo.
The Sydney-based team began its partnership with McLaren at the start of the season, entering one 720S GT3 for team owner Josh Hunt and Geoff Emery. It has also continued to run its Aston Martin Vantage GT3 in the Trophy class.
Now, Volante Rosso has added another significant car to its GT3 stable. The newly acquired McLaren finished second in the 2020 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour with 59Racing and later raced in New Zealand. The team will now bring the car up to Evo specification as it prepares for the next phase of its GTWC Australia campaign.
Hunt pleased to expand Volante Rosso’s McLaren line-up
Hunt, who also serves as team director, welcomed the addition of the second McLaren and highlighted what it means for Volante Rosso’s GT programme in Australia.
“We are really pleased to expand our McLaren offering for GT racing here in Australia.
“This new car that we have secured is incredible. It is in unbelievable condition and had every option box checked from the factory. We are very confident that it’s not only going to be fast straight out of the box, but it will also help having a second car when it comes to track time, set-up optimisation and even spare parts spread.
“McLaren has been unbelievably helpful and supportive of our program. We really believe in the brand and recent testing has unlocked some super performance we can take into the next events. We’re on a great trajectory.”
The second McLaren gives Volante Rosso more flexibility across race weekends. In addition to strengthening its driver options, the extra car should help the team gather more data, compare set-up directions and improve its overall preparation.
Moreover, the acquisition reinforces the team’s commitment to McLaren machinery after only a short period working with the brand.
Volante Rosso to miss Hidden Valley round
Although the team has expanded its McLaren operation, it will not contest the upcoming GTWC Australia round at Hidden Valley Raceway near Darwin later this month.
Instead, Volante Rosso will shift its focus towards Sydney Motorsport Park in September. Hunt explained that driver commitments made the Darwin round difficult, but the absence also gives the team more time to prepare its broader programme.
“It’s disappointing that we won’t be able to get to Hidden Valley for the next round, but it just hasn’t worked out for us this year in terms of what our drivers could commit to.
“It does give us the chance, though, to focus on perfecting our plans for Sydney, and if the right programs can be put together, then we might be there with both McLarens and the Aston Martin.”
That possibility gives the Sydney round added importance for the team. If Volante Rosso can bring both McLarens and the Aston Martin, it would mark a major step up in its GTWC Australia presence.
Phillip Island form gives team a platform
Volante Rosso has already shown encouraging signs this season. Emery and Hunt recorded a best finish of sixth in the opening round at Phillip Island with the McLaren.
The team’s Aston Martin programme also started strongly, as Alex Stibbs and Lee Gardner claimed a Trophy class victory on the same weekend. Therefore, Volante Rosso has already built momentum across both sides of its garage.
However, the second McLaren now gives the team a stronger platform for the rest of the year. With recent testing unlocking more performance and the Sydney round approaching, Volante Rosso can use the break to refine its plans and prepare for a more ambitious return.
Volante Rosso builds towards Sydney
The new McLaren acquisition marks another important step in Volante Rosso’s GTWC Australia development.
While missing Hidden Valley represents a short-term setback, the team has chosen to prioritise preparation for Sydney Motorsport Park. With two McLarens now available, an Aston Martin already capable of Trophy class success, and a growing relationship with McLaren, Volante Rosso heads towards the next stage of its campaign with a broader and more competitive programme.
