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McLaren came here to the 2023 Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard quietly confident that its V10-engined track-only weapon, the Solus GT, could put in the work on the Hill for a Shootout victory. Perhaps even an entry in the Shootout for what is a highly experimental car that’s still in development should have spoken volumes of that confidence. Well, it wasn’t unfounded, as McLaren will be leaving Goodwood this year victorious.
Video: McLaren Solus GT's insane shootout‑winning run
The Solus GT, in the hands of McLaren factory driver Marvin Kirchhöfer, clocked a spectacular 45.34-second time in the Sunday afternoon climax for this year’s event. The run itself quite honestly, had us on the edge of our seats. It was totally unhinged, with the Solus bobbing hither and twain. The ruts, bumps and furrows of the Hill clearly didn’t mix all too well with the unrelenting rigidity of the Solus GT’s form.
Still, against no small opposition, car and driver brought home the triumph for McLaren, as the marque concludes celebrations for the 60th anniversary of McLaren racing. Back next year with a Solus GTR? We surely hope so.