This will be McLaughlin’s second start in the race, and his first in a potential outright contending car. In his previous Bathurst 12 Hour start, in 2016, the young New Zealander won his class.

“I am really excited for my first attack at the Bathurst 12 Hour in Class A machinery,” the 2017 Supercars Championship runner up said.

“We have a great line up to attack the Pro-Am class honours but also attack the outright order.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge and excited to be in a fantastic car like the McLaren with some great team-mates.

“The 12 Hour is a perfect way to start my racing season and hopefully we can kick it off with some success!”

With Australian GT Championship regular Fraser Ross, and Swede racer Alexander West completing the driver lineup, the McLaren is eligible for the Pro-Am class.

It will also be the second start in this race for Watson, who had been part of McLaren’s factory squad in 2016.

“Going back to Bathurst is an amazing chance as we had a lot of speed in the McLaren in 2016, so I know the 650S GT3 is good around the Mountain,” Watson said.

“The 12 Hour is such a great race and I’m proud to be a part of it again. I already know Fraser and Alex, and I’m looking forward to teaming up with Scott as I know how handy these V8 drivers are after racing with Shane van Gisbergen in 2016 in Europe.”

The Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour takes place over the weekend of February 3-4.