McLaren’s Kirchhöfer joins Tillbrook for new-look Optimum entry

McLaren factory driver Marvin Kirchhöfer makes his British GT Championship return this year after teaming up with Morgan Tillbrook and Optimum Motorsport.

The German claimed two poles and a podium during his only full season to date with Garage 59 in 2023, but did also finish second as part of a guest entry at Silverstone the year before.

Now he joins former title contender Tillbrook who moved from Garage 59 to Optimum over the winter. He, like Kirchhöfer, has extensive experience of the 720S after campaigning the current and previous versions since 2021 – a run that includes three British GT wins and third place in 2022’s standings.

Tillbrook and former long-time co-driver Marcus Clutton, who has moved to Orange/JMH ahead of the new season, finished sixth overall last year after collecting their second podium of the campaign at Brands Hatch’s finale.

But he also has some experience of racing with Kirchhöfer and Optimum thanks to their Asian Le Mans Series outings together over the winter.

“Morgan has shown great pace in qualifying at the Asian Le Mans Series which will be one of the key points for British GT, especially with the shorter races where starting position is very important,” said Kirchhöfer. “The combination of his qualifying for one race and me for another at events such as Snetterton and Oulton Park will get us in a decent spot. If we can keep it clean we can get some really good race results.

“There’s only one goal this year, and that’s going for the overall championship win and I’m very optimistic that we can do this and I’m excited for that challenge!”

Car #77 is the fourth and final entry to be announced by Optimum ahead of the new British GT season, which begins at Donington Park on April 5-6.

Tillbrook and Kirchhöffer share the GT3 side of Optimum’s garage with Mike Price and Callum Macleod, while reigning GT4 champion Jack Brown returns to the familiar, title winning surroundings of 2024, albeit alongside new co-driver Marc Warren. Luca Hopkinson and Harry George complete the team’s quartet of McLarens.