Meanwhile, over in Germany, Porsche had already released digital renders of an extreme GT1 version of their 993. Even at this early stage, it was clear the rule benders in Stuttgart were reverse engineering a fully fledged Sports Prototype into a GT1 contender..

Back in Woking, McLaren knew they would need to develop an updated F1 GTR for 1996.

The most radical rule change for 1996 concerned engine power; to rein some of the GT1 cars back in, the BPR authorities mandated bigger air restrictors. However, this was not an across-the-board mandate – while the air restrictors for Ferrari’s twin turbo V8 were enlarged by 0.5mm, those on McLaren’s normally aspirated V12 were enlarged by 2.1mm.

With the F1 GTR therefore expected to be well down on power compared to the F40 (and any other turbocharged rival that may appear), McLaren planned to make the GTR much quicker around corners.

With this in mind, the number one priority was to reduce the original GTR’s 1050kg weight. Attention was also paid to lowering the engine’s centre of gravity, upgrading the suspension and creating more downforce.

The resultant F1 GTR 96 was announced in late November of 1995 at a price of £680,000. It was homologated by the release of an F1 LM road car, six examples of which were produced (one prototype and five customer cars).

Existing GTR customers could enhance their 95-spec. car with an upgrade pack that retailed at £148,000 and was expected to come on stream in April.