Garage 59 Announces Driver Line-up for 2026 GT World Challenge Europe
Garage 59 has solidified its driver roster for the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe, fielding two McLaren GT3 Evos in the upcoming season. The Pro class entry, #59, will feature a trio of McLaren factory drivers: Marvin Kirchhöfer, Dean MacDonald, and Joseph Loake.
Kirchhöfer and MacDonald are set to race the full season, while Loake joins for the Endurance Cup events, marking a continuation of their roles from 2025. MacDonald steps up from last year’s Gold Cup entry after a successful season.
“It feels great to go into the new GT World Challenge season with a full McLaren factory driver line-up,” stated Kirchhöfer. He praised both MacDonald and Loake, emphasizing their strong performance last season. “I think we have an exciting season ahead of us. We have a strong car, and I firmly believe this is the strongest McLaren line-up we have seen for a long time. Let’s see what we can do!”
The sister entry, #58, will compete in the Gold Cup, with McLaren GT3 Junior Drivers Louis Prette and Tom Fleming driving full-time. Factory driver Benjamin Goethe will join for the Endurance Cup. Prette expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, noting their successful collaboration last year, which included three class wins and an overall victory in Barcelona.
“I can’t wait to get the season started at Paul Ricard,” he commented, highlighting the team’s momentum.
In a strategic shift, Garage 59 will field only two cars in the Endurance Cup this year, as the #188 McLaren will not return. The 2025 season was a pivotal year for Garage 59 and McLaren, where they achieved notable successes including their first pole position and best-ever finish at the 24 Hours of Spa, ending a nine-year victory drought.
The 2026 season will see Garage 59 also competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship, serving as McLaren’s nominated team in LMGT3. Drivers Kirchhöfer, Fleming, and Goethe will balance commitments between both series.
The 2026 GT World Challenge Europe season kicks off with a six-hour Endurance Cup event at Circuit Paul Ricard from April 10-11, 2026.
Images courtesy of SRO/JEP.
