Carpool François Perrodo in McLaren F1 GTR

25 years is worth celebrating, CARhebdo understood it well. In its issue 2194 of December 3 (on sale in digital version and on newsstands), a large file is dedicated to the anniversary of the legendary McLaren F1. This supercar panicked the automotive world in the 1990s but also on the circuits with its GTR version.

To mark the occasion, we set off to discover the unprecedented McLaren F1 GTR “César”, named after the eponymous sculptor who decided to dress up the English car. Not only did we find it in London (Great Britain), but it also allowed us to carry out a Carpooling exceptional in the company of its current owner, François Perrodo.

The gentleman driver (notably champion in GTE Am in WEC during the 2016 season) explained his love for this unique car in the world. “It’s a sick car. For all the reasons we know, they won't do one like that again. McLaren has remade a three-seater (the Speedtail. Ed.), but it has a turbo engine, a paddle shift gearbox… There, it's a naturally aspirated BMW V12, the most beautiful designed by Paul Rosche, coupled to a mechanical gearbox. She is of fabulous genetic purity. »

Despite the amount invested and the rarity of the car, the 41-year-old Frenchman is not the type to let the McLaren F1 GTR fall asleep in his garage. “Central driving is exceptional, even if it is a little complicated for tolls, especially since the windows do not open. So “Thank you Télépéage”.

It requires a little gymnastics to get into it, but once installed, the car is compact, very maneuverable, with non-assisted steering that remains light… and this engine! When I have to get a ticket in a parking lot, the car behind always curses me, I need 15 minutes (laughs. Editor’s note). »

This exemplary chassis no. 5 obviously ran the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995, at the hands of the trio Sourd-Maury Laribière-Poulain. The TDS Racing driver in LM P2 in WEC also explains the sporting career of the GT in our columns.

Find the entire carpool of François Perrodo in the McLaren F1 GTR “Cesar” in issue 2194 of AUTOhebdo, available in digital version and on newsstands.