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2010 RACING PLANS COME TOGETHER
2010 RACING PLANS COME TOGETHER
Aston Martin Racing (AMR) has now made the first announcement of its 2010 Endurance Racing Programme and it looks set to be another ambitious one, with the beautiful Gulf-liveried LMP1 prototypes taking on all-comers at the world’s most famous endurance races.
The programme comprises a selection of Le Mans Series and American Le Mans Series races, together with the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours.
The Gulf-supported AMR team exceeded all expectations at La Sarthe in 2009 by finishing fourth overall. 007 was the quickest of the petrol powered LMP1 prototypes from start to finish in its maiden Le Mans outing.
In addition, Aston Martin Racing will compete in three races prior to the Le Mans 24 Hours with one LMP1 car. The races will provide the team with valuable on-track experience prior to Le Mans and will also bring the Gulf / AMR partnership to new regions. The first two races are the opening rounds of the American Le Mans Series; the 12 hours of Sebring on 20 March and the Long Beach Grand Prix on 17 April, then followed by the opening round of the European Le Mans Series at Paul Ricard in France on 11 April.
Aston Martin Racing drivers, Chris Buncombe (GB), Stefan Mücke (DE), Harold Primat (CH) and Darren Turner (GB) return for the 2010 season and will be joined by experienced sports car driver Adrian Fernández (MX).
Fernández is new to Aston Martin Racing but no stranger to sports cars or the American Le Mans Series, having won the LMP2 class outright in 2009. Previous to his entry into sportscar racing, he was a front running driver in Indycar racing.
The Gulf liveried prototypes will also compete in other selected blue ribbon races around the world post Le Mans. Details of the remaining race programme - and sixth driver are subject to further announcements in the coming weeks.
“The first two years of our partnership with Aston Martin Racing have proved to be incredibly successful, both on and off track,” enthuses Gulf Oil International. “The GT1 win at Le Mans in 2008 gave a huge boost in brand awareness, and our affiliates worldwide have made great use of this winning partnership for the benefit of their local businesses.
“The 2009 Le Mans Series programme represented a step up from the 2008 schedule and ultimately provided Gulf with more race wins, more titles and more opportunities to leverage this success. It looks like the 2010 season could lead to even greater accolades and I am sure that I join all of AMR's partners in wishing the team luck for the season ahead.”
Posted on 11/02/2010 by Colm Hamrogue