McLaren confirmed plans to bring back the McLaren 12C GT3 sports car to the racetrack. The company said that from 2012, McLaren and CRS Racing will supply and support a limited number of GT3 racing cars based on the McLaren MP4-12C high-performance sports car for European-based privateers.

McLaren and CRS Racing had began developing the 12C road car into a race-winning GT3 sports car, since the McLaren F1 GTR won the world-famous 24 Heures du Mans or Le Mans on its debut 15 years ago. As part of the development program, McLaren and CRS Racing will compete at a limited number of European GT races in 2011.

The company noted that with its revolutionary lightweight one-piece moulded carbon chassis, high levels of downforce and aerodynamic performance, and focus on form and function, the 12C will prove to be a great platform to develop a racing car.

Commenting on the new vehicle, Martin Whitmarsh, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal said, “The 12C’s architecture and design was always aimed at high-performance and ease of maintenance – two key criteria for potential customers. Combine that with the vast amount of racing experience in our automotive team, and CRS Racing’s specialist development experience, and the 12C GT3 should be an exciting proposition for the top teams planning to race in GT3 from 2012.”

The company will announced further details of the McLaren 12C GT3 racing car program in 2011. McLaren has developed initial plans for a limited run of 12Cs developed for the 2012 European FIA GT3 Series.