The driver lineup for United Autosports’ McLaren LMGT3 FIA World Endurance Championship campaign is almost complete, following the addition of two more names today.
The first is 19-year-old Chilean driver Nico Pino (pictured above), who adds an LMGT3 campaign to his current commitments in IMSA’s LMP2 class with the Anglo-American team. Stateside he is currently taking on an Endurance Cup campaign in UA’s No. 2 ORECA 07.
Pino will join 2023 ELMS LMP2 Pro runner-up Marino Sato in the team’s No. 95 McLaren 720S GT3 EVO for his first globe-trotting campaign.
“When I was eight years old and began racing in go-karts, I dreamed of one day being a part of the best teams and championships in the world,” said Pino.
United Autosports CEO Richard Dean says he is excited to see Pino compete on the world stage with the team.
“Nico has already proven himself as a strong addition to the United Autosports team in IMSA, so it is great to reveal his name as part of our WEC campaign with McLaren Automotive. He is a fast, adaptable driver who has tasted success at the biggest endurance races in the world. I am really looking forward to seeing him take on the LMGT3 challenge.”
The second driver named today is Nicolas Costa, the reigning Porsche Carrera Cup Brazil champion. He will join Gregoire Saucy and James Cottingham in the team’s No. 59 McLaren 720S GT3 EVO.
“I’m very excited for what’s about to happen. It’s a dream come true to be racing for McLaren Automotive and United Autosports … to be a part of this partnership is an honor,” said Costa (pictured above).
The 31-year-old Brazilian enjoyed a stellar 2023 season in Porsche Carrera Cup Brazil, taking four pole positions and seven victories in 12 races en route to the title.
“Nicolas had a fantastic 2023 season, dominating the Porsche Carrera Cup Brazil and clearly demonstrating his GT3 capabilities,” said Dean. “Together with FIA Formula 3 podium placer Gregoire Saucy and British GT vice-champion James Cottingham, the No. 59 is set to be an exciting entry in a hugely competitive 2024 grid.”
This leaves just one seat left to fill in United’s WEC driver lineup, for the third seat in the No. 95 alongside Pino and Sato.