Marcus Jensen punched his ticket to the McLaren Shadow Project finals in January by winning the combined qualifying series on iRacing.com, the world’s leading esports motorsport simulator. Jensen had to prove his racing ability in both the McLaren MP4-30 grand prix car and the MP4-12C GT3 car as he competed against some of the best simracers in the world.

Jensen won the five week grand prix series by 151 points over Michael Partington. His path to victory included five wins and seven top five finishes. Matteo Calestani rounded out the top three in the GP series.

The second series, contested in the MP4-12C GT3 car, would provide its own challenges and ultimately determined the winner who would receive the invitation to the finals at the McLaren Technology Centre. Jensen was not as dominant in this series but still managed two wins and therefore enough points to be crowned champion of the combined series.

Jensen will join the other finalists from the McLaren Shadow Project where he will compete for the ultimate prize of a spot on the McLaren esports team and a chance to join our esports development programme, allowing the winner to hone their skills and work with our Formula 1 team.

Tony Gardner, president iRacing.com, said: 

“We couldn’t be more excited to send Marcus (Jensen) to the McLaren Shadow Project finals. He will represent iRacing well and I know all iRacers will be pulling for him. 

“This is the second year in a row we have partnered with McLaren on their esports initiatives. iRacing is a natural fit for esports, we are the original esports racing game after all.”

Marcus Jensen said: 

“I am very excited to have qualified in to the final of the McLaren Shadow Project through iRacing. I began my iRacing career in 2014 and worked my way up to the Grand Prix World Championship Series where I race the McLaren MP4-30 – my experience in that series definitely helped me in this competition.

“I am really looking forward to the finals in January as it will be an incredible experience and opportunity.”

Ben Payne, Director of esports, McLaren said:

“We’re really excited that we have our next finalist for the McLaren Shadow Project through iRacing.

"The live finals in January are set to be a real challenge for our eracers and spectacle for our fans, and we’re looking forward to seeing who will compete against Marcus at the McLaren Technology Centre.”