Donington double delight for ZAK BROWN AND United Autosports with race win and third place.

United Autosports owner Zak Brown and team-mate Alvaro Parente won the final round of the British GT Championship at Donington Park this weekend in their McLaren MP4-12C GT3. Matt Bell and Charles Bateman took third and secured a third place finish in the 2012 standings.

In a close fought race at the Donington round of the British GT Championship, where the lead changed many times, both United Autosports McLaren MP4-12C GT3s came home in podium positions, with Zak Brown and Álvaro Parente taking the race win.

Starting from second place on the 27 car grid, team owner Zak Brown took the lead on the first lap. After a few laps at the front, he was caught and passed, falling back into fourth place. Meanwhile, Charles Bateman, having started tenth, fought his was up the field, and eventually passed Zak for fourth place.

At mid distance, both cars pitted, with Zak handing over to Alvaro and Charles passing the car onto Matt Bell. Once the pit stops had finished, Alvaro was lying fourth and Matt third. A stranded Mercedes brought out the safety car with about 30 minutes of the two-hour race left to run, and after the restart, Alvaro pulled off several impressive overtaking maneuvers to take the lead. Then, Matt set about closing in on the front-runners and made a superb move into second place, just four seconds behind Alvaro.

In the closing stages of the race, despite fighting hard, Matt was passed by a Lamborghini and at the chequered flag Alvaro took the win and Matt secured a third place position to the delight of a garage full of guests and sponsors. Such a strong close to the season sets the team up well for a concerted attack on the 2013 British GT Championship, with both McLaren MP4-12Cs entered.

Zak Brown, United Autosports Team Owner and Driver
“Winning the race was great. Alvaro is such a star and he drove a superb race. I was happy with my stint. I got a great start and managed to take the lead. I couldn't hold it for long, but I managed to bring the car home in the top five. Matt and Charles also had a great race so it was a fantastic day for the United Autosports team.

Alvaro Parente, United Autosports, Racing Driver
“Zak had a great start and was driving well. He was able to put me in a good position to challenge for the win. I had some fights with others on the track, and it all went my way today and I was able to control the race. It is  a great result for the team”.

Richard Dean, United Autosports, Team Owner, Managing Director
“I am really proud of Zak and Alvaro that was a fantastic race and great result. Matt and Charles showed what a class act they are so to take a first and third in the final race of the year is just a brilliant way to end the season. The whole team has worked really hard so this is a great reward for them”.

Matt Bell, United Autosports, Racing Driver
“It was a fight from the off. I came out of the pits in fourth so right away it was hard going. It took a while for me to get past the Porsche so I waited on my opportunity, and it came near the end of the race. The team has worked really hard so a big thank you to them. Congratulations also to Zak and Alvaro on a brilliant result’.

Charles Bateman, United Autosports, Racing Driver
“The start went really well, and we had a good pace at the start. I managed to get past quite a few cars, then I was hit by a BMW but luckily there was no major damage. Considering where we started it was great result.”