Gold Cup winners!

The #58 Garage 59 McLaren took the Gold Cup win in the six-hour GT World Challenge Europe season-opener. Racing into the night at Paul Ricard, Benji Goethe, Louis Prette and Tom Fleming also took an outright podium finish from right under the noses of many Pro Cup runners after a storming drive.

After being fired off at the start and tumbling all the way down to 54th position, the sister #59 McLaren crew of Dean Macdonald, Joseph Loake and Marvin Kirchhöfer stayed focused and fought all the way up to fifth place overall by the chequered flag in a fantastic show of resilience and determination.

Benji Goethe

I got a good launch at the start. I nearly got Maro (Engel) but he just had enough and I tucked into P2. My team mates did a great job: Tom bringing it home at the end and Louis’ pace was mega. I couldn’t be happier for the team and my team mates.

Louis Prette

To start the season like this is incredible. It’s the fourth time I’ve come here and the first time I’ve finished the race. I’ve very proud of my team mates who have been amazing all week. We now have back-to-back overall podiums in Endurance, which is very promising for the rest of the season.

Tom Fleming

It wasn’t easy! The guys gave me a fantastic car and Benji and Louis did an amazing job throughout the race. I was copping a bit of pressure from van der Linde behind me because, as we all know, he’s an outstanding driver. I’m so proud of the team. They’ve done an amazing job all winter and I’m really grateful.