What's this all about?

McLaren has released the first interior photos of the P1 GTR, showing the stripped-out cabin of the company's 'most powerful track only model'. There is also an update on the testing programme, conducted in Bahrain.

What do you get?

Inspiration for the interior apparently comes from the McLaren MP4-23 Formula 1 car, an environment that is driver-focused and free from non-essentials. Because of the strength of the carbon fibre 'MonoCage' chassis - shared with the road car - there is no need for a conventional roll cage, which would restrict headroom. All the controls are concentrated on the steering wheel for easy access. The design team has also ensured that all controls can be operated by a driver in full race suit, helmet and gloves.

McLaren's customers are probably used to having things made to measure and the P1 GTR is no exception; DTM-style seats are mounted directly to the chassis - saving the weight of adjustable mountings - to fit the intended driver. Despite the spartan interior GTR owners aren't expected to work up a sweat as air conditioning is fitted as standard.

What about the testing?

In the desert heat of the Bahrain International Circuit an undisguised black GTR was put through its paces by McLaren's development drivers. The company's engineers and technicians investigated the performance of the IPAS powertrain, handling balance on Pirelli slick tyres and the aerodynamic performance of the fixed wing and Formula 1-style Drag Reduction system. It is reported that the P1 GTR met or exceeded all the targets set for the testing. Further test mileage will be clocked up in Europe through the winter.

Anything else?

Owning a P1 GTR won't be a matter of just going to your local McLaren dealer and signing a very large cheque. Customers will be enrolled in the 'McLaren P1 GTR driver programme' and get access to parts of the company's Technology Centre that are usually off-limits. The object of the programme is to help drivers get the best out of themselves and the car. For the first year McLaren has arranged six events at Formula 1 circuits around the world with a race team supplied for each driver, including a driver coach and head engineer to work on honing the driver's technique and the set-up of the car.