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Auto Express Car Reviews
27th January 2009
Crack sportscar squad Aston Martin is hoping to make history at Le Mans this year.
Using its all-new LMP1 machine, the team is gunning for victory in the classic 24 hour race – 50 years after it first stepped on to the top step of the podium.
Two factory-backed machines will be entered, both finished in the historic blue and orange paintwork of title sponsor Gulf oil.
Under the skin, the car gets a powerful V12 petrol engine based on the unit used in the GT1 DB9 that has taken class honours at the enduro for the past two years.
But the outfit will face stiff competition from the diesel-powered Audi R15 and Peugeot 908. The French squad is hoping to beat its German rival’s five-year winning streak. The race takes place on 13/14 June.
However, Aston Martin chairman David Richards is relishing the challenge. “This is a hugely significant year for Aston Martin at Le Mans”, claimed the former boss of the Subaru world rally team. “The challenge of reclaiming victory in this famous race for Aston Martin and Great Britain was simply too great to ignore. 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".
