Aston Martin guns for Audi

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Aston Martin is to challenge for an outright win at Le Mans 2009. It’s the fiftieth anniversary of the marque’s last overall win at La Sarthe.

Two Works LMP1 cars will be run for definite (one pictured), but there could be three wearing the celebrated blue and orange Gulf livery. An Aston Martin-engined Lola LMP1 competed last year, and was the fastest petrol car, qualifying fifth and ahead of one of the Audi TDIs.

It comes as new regulations are announced to make the performance of petrol and diesel competitors more balanced, meaning the LMP1 category is a more appealing prospect this year. Diesels hare set to have power restricted by ten per cent while petrol cars will suffer just a three per cent drop.

There will be no GT1 competitors from Aston at this year’s Le Mans, but it will support official partner teams wishing to compete.

David Richard, chairman of Aston Martin, claimed that it’s a complete leap of faith and that if Aston hadn’t taken up the challenge, it would have been a  big regret. ‘2009 is a hugely significant year for Aston Martin at Le Mans and the challenge of reclaiming victory in this famous race for Aston Martin and Great Britain was simply too great to ignore.

‘However, we do not underestimate the task.  While we have won the GT1 class for the last two years, competing against the proven speed and endurance of the diesel-powered cars with all their years of winning the prototype class, will be a massive undertaking.  Nonetheless, I see this as a great opportunity to showcase the ingenuity of British engineering talent.’

In the current climate that’s seen Honda, Subaru and Suzuki pull motorsport teams, it’s a refreshing approach.

Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, said ‘Racing has been, and still is at the heart of Aston Martin. Our cars today are subtle, elegant and handcrafted but they still have the genes for competition. I am happy that we have found partners who, with their support, will enable us to compete at the highest level of endurance racing. We will put all our heart and skill behind this project to demonstrate the essence of Aston Martin: Power Beauty and Soul.’

Drivers announced so far include Jan Charouz, tomas Enge and Stefan Mucke – Aston Martin Racing Works drivers from 2008 – as well as Brit Darren Turner who was victorious in Aston’s GT1 crew the past two years. New boy Harold Primat is the fifth driver with the final place to be filled shortly.

Aston Martin will also compete throughout the 2009 Le Mans Series that begins in Catalunya on April 5. Le Mans itself is held June 13-14. evo has teamed up with official agent Travel Destinations to bring you an exclusive package to get you trackside to see all the action. Visit www.lemansrace.com for details on our exclusive travel package.

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