The next round of the GT Cup Europe in Spa-Francorchamps will see a new entry of great interest: Spanish squad McLaren Barcelona - SMC Motorsport will field a McLaren Artura Trophy Evo, the first to ever appear in the series.
The car, with the support of TWSS Racing by BAM Motors GmbH, will be in the hands of Germany’s Klaus Halsig, who has experience as a regular in McLaren Trophy, Pure McLaren, other GT races, NLS/VLN, RCN, and historic races, and Spain’s Tommy Pintos, now part of the McLaren Factory Programme as a Graduate after two superb years, winning the McLaren Trophy Europe in 2023 and taking a vice championship last year. In 2025 he’s participating in recently launched McLaren Trophy America.
McLaren Barcelona - SMC Motorsport is a specialist in McLaren’s European mono-brand trophy, and clinched the Drivers’ title in 2023, before conquering double honours (Drivers and Team) last year. Titles that add to another recent success of the Spanish team alongside the British brand, such as the GT4 South Europe (now Iberian Supercars Endurance) teams’ title in 2022.
McLaren Barcelona - SMC Motorsport team principal, Emilio de Villota Comba, commented: “We are delighted to join the GT Cup Europe at Spa and anxious to both discover a series that is growing steadily and measure ourselves in a multi-brand environment. For the time being, this will be a one-off participation but with a view to the future, and more outings may happen still this season.”
Klaus Halsig said: “I am very happy to expand my sporting activities with Mclaren Barcelona - SMC Motorsport into GT Cup Europe, a highly prestigious racing series. Beyond this, it is truly exciting to return to the track with my friend and co-driver, Tommy Pintos”
Tommy Pintos added: “Coming back to Spa is always special, but doing it alongside a driver like Klaus Halsig and with the support of McLaren Barcelona – SMC Motorsport makes it even more exciting. We’re racing on an iconic track, with an amazing car and a team that gives everything. Sharing the car with Klaus is a privilege and a great chance to build a strong connection on and off the track. We’re approaching the weekend with ambition, respect for the circuit, and a clear desire to show what we can achieve together”