Insight: McLaren F1 GTR No.11 Thomas Bscher Geoff Lees Davidoff Classic Winner 1000km di Monza 1998
Overview of the McLaren F1 GTR No.11
The McLaren F1 GTR No.11, driven by Thomas Bscher and Geoff Lees to victory at the 1998 1000km di Monza, stands as a testament to the enduring competitiveness of the McLaren F1 GTR in the FIA GT Championship. Representing the Davidoff Classic team, this 1997-spec chassis featured a potent BMW S70/2 V12 engine producing approximately 600 horsepower, encased in a lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque. Its aerodynamic enhancements and race-tuned suspension made it a dominant force on the high-speed Monza circuit, showcasing McLaren’s engineering prowess and the team’s strategic expertise in the late 1990s.
Performance at the 1998 1000km di Monza
The 1998 1000km di Monza saw the McLaren F1 GTR No.11 secure a commanding win, with Thomas Bscher and Geoff Lees navigating the 5.793 km circuit to outpace rivals in a field that included Porsches and other GT1 contenders. The race, part of the FIA GT Championship, highlighted the car’s reliability and speed, with the duo leveraging the V12’s power and the team’s pit strategy to clinch victory. This triumph marked a notable success for the Davidoff Classic team, reinforcing the F1 GTR’s legacy following its Le Mans win in 1995 and its continued competitiveness in the evolving GT racing scene.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The McLaren F1 GTR No.11 holds a prestigious place in motorsport history, driven by the experienced Bscher—known for his Davidoff-backed efforts—and the seasoned Geoff Lees, a Le Mans veteran. Its victory at the 1998 1000km di Monza added to the F1 GTR’s storied career, which spanned multiple championships and iconic races. Originally designed by Gordon Murray as a road car, the F1 GTR’s racing success, including this Monza win, solidified McLaren’s reputation for innovation. This car remains a celebrated symbol of 1990s GT racing excellence and the enduring partnership between McLaren and BMW.
