Aston Martin took part in the most recent soapbox race at Alexander Palace in London.

• Special-edition V8 Vantage GTE to take on all-comers in Red Bull Soapbox Race
• Aston Martin team to be judged on speed, creativity and showmanship as they try to repeat the on-track success of the Le Mans winning V8 Vantage GTE

Aston Martin Racing will reveal a very special-edition of the V8 Vantage GTE that won the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans at this Sunday’s Red Bull Soapbox Race at Alexandra Palace in London.  

The ’24 Seconds of Le Ally Pally’ will see a crack team of Aston Martin personnel, take on all-comers in a miniature version of the Le Mans winning V8 Vantage GTE.

David King, President of Aston Martin Racing said: “When taking on a challenge as big as this it is important to rally your troops and throw everything you’ve got at it. 

 

Aston Martin has enjoyed great on-track success with the V8 Vantage GTE so it was the obvious choice for the design of our soapbox entry. I don’t think we’ll be putting our race drivers in it though as we need them to be in one piece for their next World Endurance Championship race the following week!”

Aston Martin has a successful Innovation Partnership with Red Bull Racing but there will be no favouritism on Sunday. It is a level playing field, so to speak, and the Aston Martin crew is ready for the fight having made meticulous preparations.

Over 104 years ago, early Aston Martin cars were designed for hill-climb racing so all that knowledge can now be turned on its head.  It’s not great news for those who love the sound of a V8 or V12 engine as the power source for this event much quieter…gravity! With design and engineering by Aston Martin and the build taking place at Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell, the Aston Martin challenger is already a favourite for the event.

Entrants are judged on speed, obviously, and creativity of design. They are also judged on showmanship and this is where Le Mans winners Darren Turner (GB) and Jonny Adam (GB) can help.  Well-known for their ability to put on a great show, the two racers will be on hand to support Alex Summers, Aston Martin Prototype Operations Senior Engineer who has (been) volunteered to race the mini-Vantage.

“Having watched the Red Bull Soapbox Race numerous times, it looks the most amazing event so I can’t wait to go and see it for real,” said Turner. “There is no way in the world I would get into one but I’m very happy to wave the brave pilot on his merry way.  I hope Alex manages to last for more than 24 seconds and, most importantly, makes it to the bottom in one piece!”

Britian comes out top at this years 85th 24 hours of Le Mans with Aston Martin taking the title.

• #97 V8 Vantage GTE of Darren Turner, Jonny Adam and Daniel Serra take GTE Pro class victory
• Adam takes lead on final lap following intense battle throughout the closing stages
• Team break all GTE race and qualifying lap records during race week
• Victory ensures clean double points sweep after pole position on Thursday

Aston Martin Racing has taken victory at the 85th 24 Hours of Le Mans in dramatic style, after Jonny Adam (GB) snatched the GTE Pro lead on the final lap of the iconic endurance race.

Partnered by Darren Turner (GB) and Daniel Serra (BR), the trio and their Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE performed faultlessly to ensure they remained in the hunt for victory right until the death.

With just over 45 minutes left on the clock, Jonny Adam found himself pitting at the same time as the #63 Corvette for a final fuel stop. With both cars exiting the pit lane together – with Adam in second – it was inevitable that he would have to make the pass while on track.

After trading places with his rival for much of the final stint, Adam prevailed and overtook the #63 Corvette as he crossed the start/finish line on the penultimate lap. With his rival running wide at the second Mulsanne corner under pressure from the Scot, a slow puncture halted their progress and ensured the victory.

Jonny Adam said, “For Daniel and Darren to put me in that mix to battle for the front was testament to how good the car has been all weekend. To see how well the guys had driven, we had zero mistakes and we did our best to keep the car out of the pits as often as we could and just try and run a consistent pace throughout. 

It was an extremely tough last stint, we nearly pipped the Corvette on the pit exit in the last hour and when he did get the jump there he was fast. He managed to pull at one point a six to eight car length gap, but our goal was not to give up.  

He looked weak in a few corners and I knew I had to capitalise on them and when I got on to his bumper I knew it was now or never if I wanted to win Le Mans. We got it and it was really cool to get him just before the finish line and to see fans in the grandstands and the team on the pit wall celebrating, and it was then just time to bring it home.”

Darren Turner, who earlier this week set a new qualifying GTE lap record, took his third Le Mans class win today following victory in 2007 and 2008 with the Aston Martin DRB9 added, “After how our preparations went, it was always looking like it was going to be an epic battle and it was right from the start. The lead ebbed and flowed from every manufacturer in the GTE Pro class at some point in the race but the Aston Martin Racing Vantage was always there or thereabouts. 

I have to say Jonny’s last stint was exceptional and Daniels’ pace considering it was his first time at Le Mans was great, I couldn’t ask for two better team mates. The team did an exceptional job throughout the night, and what a feeling, I am so proud to be part of this team. 

It was a great team effort and it was great to be on the top step. It’s just a shame that the whole team couldn’t join us as it was one of the best podiums I have ever been on and for me personally this was my hardest Le Mans and my sweetest victory.”

Daniel Serra, who set the fastest ever GTE racing lap as a Le Mans rookie said, ““I don’t have words to describe the feeling. It was my first time in Le Mans and to start on pole was already amazing, then setting the race lap record and finally wining on the last lap was incredible. 

I am so grateful to Aston Martin Racing for putting their trust in me, a rookie, for my first time at Le Mans. Also, a big thanks to Jonny and Darren for all the help and support they have given me to learn about this race as quickly as possible. I am just so happy. I don’t have words to explain it properly. I just won the biggest race in motorsport, it’s awesome”.

Paul Howarth Team Principal Aston Martin Racing said, “It’s very difficult to put into words what it means to Aston Martin Racing and all of our partners. Aston Martin and it’s heritage has a strong history with this very special race and to deliver a Pro class win with the #97 is a credit to everybody involved whether here at the track or whatever part they play with this race team”.

Speaking of the result, Andy Palmer, President and CEO Aston Martin said, “I am immensely proud of everyone who has played a part in this victory today. To enjoy this kind of success at the top level of endurance racing is testimony to the quality of both the team and the V8 Vantage GTE. I am sure that Darren, Jonny and Daniel’s victory today will go down as one of the all-time greatest drives at this iconic race. I wish them the very best of luck for the rest of this year’s World Endurance Championship”.

The result comes just days after the luxury British marque unveiled its latest Vantage AMR special editions. Announced at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the brand’s AMR performance brand amplifies and accentuates the sporting prowess of the British marque’s road cars, by taking inspiration or direct influence from Aston Martin Racing’s participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Aston Martin Racing will return to the FIA World Endurance Championship for the 6 Hours of Nürburgring on Sunday 16 July

Autosport International to showcase 5 decades of Rallycross at the 2017 Live Action Arena.

• Showcase of five decades of Rallycross set to be a highlight in the 2017 Live Action Arena
• A host of Rallycross drivers and racers from throughout the sport’s history to attend
• Renowned stunt driver Terry Grant to thrill crowds with combined performance with Lee Bowers
• BTCC icons to go head-to-head in an exhilarating Time Trial
• Championship-winning Vantage GTE to be driven by Aston Martin Racing driver Darren Turner
• For tickets and further information about Autosport International, which runs from 12^th to 15^th January*, please visit www.autosportinternational.com   

The Live Action Arena at Autosport International is once again set to thrill, with a varied line up of leading motorsport drivers and racers.

Set to be a key highlight of the popular show feature is a celebration of 50 years of Rallycross. 

The segment will include 10 classic racers, such as the Porsche 911R which won the first ever Rallycross race at Lydden Circuit in 1967 and a selection of Group B icons such as the Audi Quattro.

At the wheel of the Porsche 911R will be Vic Elford, the man who took it to victory five decades ago. He will be joined in the arena by a roster of Rallycross icons including John Taylor, the first ever winner of the European Rallycross Championship and the man known as Mr Rallycross, Martin Schanche. Former competitor and owner of Team Peugeot Hansen Motorsport, Kenneth Hansen, will also be in attendance. The Swedish driver holds multiple Rallycross records and has won an FIA European Championships for Rallycross Drivers title 14 times.

Present day Rallycross will also be represented, with 2016 British Rallycross Champion, Dan Rook, winner of the 2016 British Rallycross Grand Prix, Liam Doran, and FIA World Rallycross Championship supercar competitor Andres Bakkerud, all confirmed.

Crowds of all ages will witness further thrilling action as BTCC drivers, including Gordon Shedden, Matt Neal, Colin Turkington and Andrew Jordan, go head-to-head in what is sure to be a highly competitive time trial.

Further motorsport action will come from the world of WEC. Aston Martin Racing driver Darren Turner will be taking to the Live Action Arena in the Vantage GTE #95, which won the FIA Endurance Trophy for LMGTE Pro Teams.

Renowned stunt driver Terry Grant will be returning to the Live Action Arena to perform a selection of nail-biting tricks, this time joined by professional free-style stunt rider Lee Bowers. The duo will be hoping to not only keep the audience on the edge of their seats but also thrill popular vlogger, Shmee, who will be joining Terry as he performs the exciting stunts.

Always a crowd-favourite in the arena, more high-speed action will come from Autograss and BriSCA, who will be completing a series of races, in addition to a drifting demonstration.

All of these segments will be hosted by Sky F1 Lead Commentator, David Croft, alongside WTCC TV presenter, Alexandra Legouix.

Kate Woodley, Autosport International show manager, said: “We have some great motorsport content already confirmed for the Live Action Arena in January.

“With so many different aspects of motorsport represented, from grassroots to WEC, in addition to a show-stopping finale which will be kept as a surprise for visitors, we are sure there will be something for everyone.”

Three car Aston Martin line-up due to take on FIA WEC season centrepiece in the Circuit de la Sarthe 24h race.

• Three car line-up due to take on FIA WEC season centrepiece
• Team look to build on strong results of FIA World Endurance Championship season
• Aston Martin Racing joined by Beechdean AMR at prestigious 24-hour classic 

Aston Martin Racing is poised to contend the 84^th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, at the world famous Circuit de la Sarthe this weekend.

Campaigning two V8 Vantage GTE Pro entries and one GTE Am, the team will be seeking outright victory in both classes, as it competes against one of the most competitive field of GTE entries in recent years.

Following both the 6 Hours of Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, which saw the team take three podium places and a victory in GTE Am, the team remain positive ahead of what is forecast to be a wet week of racing in France.

Paul Howarth, Team Principal Aston Martin Racing said, “This is the race that everyone wants to win and we’re no different. We’ve worked hard to put ourselves in the best position possible ahead of this race and we’re confident in the decisions that we’ve made so far. There’s a lot of work to do before 3pm on Saturday, but we’ll continue to build and prepare to ensure we get the result we want”.

Following a 3^rd place finish in the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps for the #97 GTE Pro entry of Fernando Rees (BR), Richie Stanaway (NZ) and Jonny Adam (GB), the trio will look to take to the top step this weekend.

Richie Stanaway said, “This a circuit that I enjoy coming back to and there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere here. Our first session is on Wednesday and I think it will provide us with the first opportunity to test this year’s Vantage in the wet conditions here. I can’t wait to get going now!”

In the sister #95 GTE Pro entry, Darren Turner (GB) is joined by the Danish pairing of Nicki Thiim (DN) and Marco Sorensen (DN).

“Le Mans is the ultimate endurance race,” Darren explained. “It’s world-famous; everyone knows about Le Mans and its history. If you are a racing driver who is lucky enough to compete at Le Mans it quickly becomes a highlight of your career. I feel very fortunate to have been able to do it this many times as an Aston Martin driver.  It is very special and I can’t wait for the start at 3pm a week on Saturday!”

The #98 GTE Am entry of Paul Dalla Lana (C), Pedro Lamy (P) and Mathias Lauda (A) will look to continue their strong form after victory last time out at Spa-Francorchamps.

Pedro Lamy commented, “We have been waiting for this opportunity since we left Le Mans last year. We’ve grown a lot as a trio of drivers and we have a great crew behind us. We have had two good races at Silverstone and Spa and I really hope we can continue that this weekend”.

Aston Martin Racing will also be joined this weekend by customer team Beechdean AMR, who will run a V8 Vantage GTE in the Am class and sport their iconic blue and white livery; albeit with a chromed twist. The entry will be driven by Andrew Howard (GB), Liam Griffin (GB) and Gary Hirsch (CH).

The 84^th 24 Hours of Le Mans will start at 3pm on Saturday 18 June. For up-to-date information, follow the team’s official twitter feed at @AMR_Official.

Aston Martin Racing V8 Vantage GTE entries to feature bespoke ‘Q by Aston Martin’ wings badges

• Aston Martin Racing V8 Vantage GTE entries to feature bespoke ‘Q by Aston Martin’ wings badges
• Unique collection of iconic wings to celebrate 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship
• Handcrafted in the historic Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham

On the eve of the 2016 World Endurance Championship opener at Silverstone, Aston Martin Racing has unveiled a bespoke selection of wings in celebration of the premiere endurance series.

Every Vantage produced for the road or race track is crafted by hand and the wings that adorn each model make no exception.

Commissioned by the British marque’s personalisation service ‘Q by Aston Martin’, the collection has been created by a highly accomplished and talented workforce based in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. Each of these unique pieces celebrate each of the rounds of this year’s championship.

With the series to commence with the 6 Hours of Silverstone, all three V8 Vantage GTE entries will be treated to a union flag inspired piece. Alternative designs of the iconic wings logo will be proudly displayed for the following eight rounds of the championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans; the FIA WEC’s centrepiece event.

Each enamelled wing is created using a combination of state-of-the-art CAD equipment and age-old jewellery making machinery – some of which dates back over 120 years – at renowned manufacturer Vaughtons.

Starting with an initial pressing and annealing process to ensure the badge’s strength and durability, all wings are subjected to chipping; a sequence of removing any ridges in the metal. The colours which give this collection its unique finish are applied by hand and linished using a fine grindstone to ensure a perfectly smooth surface. The wings are then fired to glaze, polished to instil a lustrous shine and carefully plated for the finishing touch.

General Manager for Q by Aston Martin Dr. Matthew Bennett said: “Our service endeavours to provide customers with a range of unique and personalised options for their road cars and I’m proud to be able to bring a bespoke touch of luxury to our Aston Martin Racing entries for the 2016 season. We look forward to seeing these iconic Aston Martin wings badges take to some of the world’s leading race circuits.”

Paul Howarth, Aston Martin Racing Team Principal said, “This season really is a fresh start for us. With a re-balanced driver line-up and our new V8 Vantage GTE making its competitive debut this weekend, I’m confident that we can put in strong performances throughout the season and carry these wings to strong race results.”

Further information for Aston Martin Racing can be found at www.astonmartin.com/racing or via the team’s social media channels.

Aston Martin teams set out to conquer the infamous Nurburgring in Germany.

Luxury British sports car maker Aston Martin, along with its race team Aston Martin Racing, today announces an ambitious five-car assault on the 2015 ADAC Zurich N24 endurance race at Germany’s infamous Nürburgring.

Aston Martin Racing heads to the world-renowned endurance event on 16/17 May with a pair of works V12 Vantage GT3s, and has its sights set firmly on the outright race win in the top SP9 class.

While Aston Martin has been racing at the annual Nordschleife event for a decade, 2015 is only the third time that its works race team has entered the top SP9 class for GT3 cars.

In 2013, with the car running in the iconic blue and yellow livery of Aston Martin’s technical partner Bilstein for the first time, the team finished tenth after leading the gruelling race for more than half the running time, and in 2014 it finished fifth. This year, Team Principal John Gaw is confident that the race win could be within sight.

“The worst thing you can do at the Nürburgring is underestimate it,” he commented. “However, we’ve shown in the last two years that we have the potential to take the outright race win.

“We’ve learned a lot here, and this year we come with two cars which are well proven and reliable, and a strong driver line-up. The race win is the ultimate goal.”

Aston Martin Engineering Team

Continuing its tradition of intensive product prove-out at this unique and gruelling race, Aston Martin will also enter two race-prepared Vantage GT12s in the event’s close-to-production SP8 class.

The Vantage GT12 was launched to worldwide acclaim in March this year at the Geneva Motorshow, with all 100 examples sold before the car was publicly unveiled. Taking its inspiration directly from Aston Martin Racing’s Vantage GT3, the Vantage GT12 benefits from the learning drawn from the brand’s ten years of racing and developing its road cars at the Nürburgring.

In the 24-hour race, the Vantage GT12s will run as close to production specification as possible with only required racing safety upgrades added, emphasising its track capabilities and demonstrating its durability under the most intense conditions.

David King, Director of Special Projects and Motorsport at Aston Martin said: “This is a unique event where our professional AMR race team and our Gaydon engineering team come together to compete as one entity. The team spirit is very special and we learn a great deal, both technically and organisationally, each year. I am very proud that we have kept a 100 percent finishing record over the past ten years and we will be doing everything possible to maintain that.”

He added: “We are very fortunate to have the continued backing and technical support of partners Bilstein and Castrol, as well as tyre partner Michelin who have been selected as tyre supplier for the Vantage GT12 road car.”      

Finally, to celebrate the company’s tenth year at the race, the brand’s line-up will be completed by a Vantage GT4 to be driven by Aston Martin non-executive chairman, Dr Ulrich Bez, and presented in the same yellow livery as the original Vantage N24 he drove in 2006.

The Nürburgring 24 Hours starts at 16:00hrs CET on 16 May. Follow and support the team on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and now Periscope using #teamAMR.

Prodrive moves into new premises to continue the excellent work they have achieved since the 1980's

Prodrive has today been handed the keys to its new headquarters in Banbury, UK.  The British motorsport and advanced technology business has already begun relocating to its new 110,000 sq ft facility alongside the M40 motorway and has started manufacturing its first parts. 

The headquarters will be home to both its Motorsport business, which runs the Aston Martin Racing team as well as the MINI and VW Golf in rallying, and its Advanced Technology division, which works with businesses in the automotive, aerospace, defence and marine sectors.  In the new facility, race and rally cars will be built alongside advanced active aero systems for super cars, centre console modules for luxury cars and the latest control systems for electric vehicles.

“This is the beginning of a new era for the company,” said David Richards, Prodrive chairman.  “For the first time all our motorsport, advanced technology and manufacturing operations will be under one roof in a modern purpose-built facility.  This will enable us to operate far more efficiently and to increase the collaboration and technology transfer between our businesses.”

In the last 30 years Prodrive has transformed from a motorsport team running Porsche rally cars to an international technology business employing more than 500 people where the majority of the company’s £50 million turnover is generated by non-motorsport activities.

The new facility is Prodrive’s third headquarters having originally been based at Silverstone in 1984, before moving to Banbury in 1986. 

“Banbury is very much Prodrive’s home. Our former site became a landmark for motorists travelling between London and Birmingham on the M40 motorway and I am sure that our new headquarters will continue this tradition,” said Richards.