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NEW SEASON, NEW CHALLENGE
2010 heralds the third year of Gulf’s successful partnership with Aston Martin Racing (AMR) and the prospects for this season look more exciting than ever.
Although the race schedule for second half of the season has yet to be finalised, the programme is already an ambitious one, comprising a mixture of Le Mans Series events, American Le Mans Series races and the Le Mans 24 Hours itself.
The first race of the season is the American Le Mans Series opener– ‘the 12 Hours of Sebring’ on March 20th.
AMR has entered one car, 007, which boasts an exciting driver line-up of Adrian Fernández (MX), Stefan Mücke (DE) and Harold Primat (CH).
Adrian Fernández is new to Aston Martin Racing this year and is the reigning LMP2 champion in the American Le Mans Series. Adrian offers the team a wealth of experience of American circuits and hopefully the associated home advantage. Adrian enthuses, “I’m delighted to be contesting Sebring with Aston Martin. I have plenty of experience of LMP2 cars, but the LMP1 Aston is another step up entirely: it’s a real driver’s car.”
The other two drivers of the blue and orange car are well known to Gulf motorsport aficionados. Stefan Mücke, helped the Aston Martin Racing team to the 2009 Le Mans Series title and will be an invaluable asset as he contests the 12 Hours of Sebring for the first time. “I’m really looking forward to the experience,” he commented. “Sebring is a unique circuit; it’s a legendary name and a huge challenge.”
The final driver, Harold Primat, joined AMR last year, competing in the Le Mans Series and at Le Mans 24 hours. He is also a fan of Sebring and added “It’s one of the most demanding circuits that I have ever raced on. I am looking forward to racing there again and the welcome we have received so far has been tremendous.”
The Sebring 12 Hours has been the scene of successes for both AMR and Gulf. Aston Martin Racing’s DBR9 won the GT1 category there on its competition debut in 2005 and in 1969 the Gulf GT40 of Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver won the race outright.
Sebring was originally a United States Air Force base and therefore is a very flat circuit with little camber. Now some 3.7 miles long, it has seventeen turns, which are a real mix of high speed and slow bends.
Sebring is renowned for its rough, bumpy surface. Much of the circuit comprises the airfield’s original concrete surface and this makes it a real challenge for drivers – especially when it rains. This also means that the car requires a very specific set-up for the circuit.
The drivers have all been to Sebring to test the Gulf-liveried LMP1 car, which has been modified from last year to comply with the latest 2010 Le Mans regulations. The car has proved rapid in testing but will face a stern challenge against two factory Peugeot diesels and a host of other American Le Mans Series regulars in this extremely tough event.
Following the 12 Hours of Sebring, AMR will also go on to contest the second round of the American Le Mans Series: the Long Beach Grand Prix on 17th April.
In between, AMR will also contest the first round of the European-based Le Mans Series at Paul Ricard on April 11, in preparation for the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours. AMR tested successfully at the Paul Ricard circuit earlier in the month, with the Gulf machine running in the top half dozen cars throughout almost the entire two day test.
Aston Martin Racing Team Principal George Howard-Chappell commented: “We’re fortunate to benefit from a talented pool of drivers this year and, for our first trip to Sebring with the LMP1 car, the accent is firmly on experience. I’m convinced that Adrian, Stefan and Harold will all do a great job. Sebring is one of the toughest races that we will face all year, particularly as we are up against some extremely strong rivals.”
Gulf Oil International Brand and Marketing Manager, Sam Cork is eagerly anticipating the first race. “Gulf’s partnership with Aston Martin Racing has reaped great rewards both on and off the track in its first two years. For 2010 it is taking another step forward. With a wider geographical reach than ever before, this year’s programme will see Gulf take on the cream of world endurance races, offering the brand even greater awareness. It will also continue to provide a first class platform that Gulf’s local distributors worldwide can leverage for their local benefit.”
Qualifying for the Sebring 12 Hours takes place on Friday 19th March at 14.25 Eastern Standard Time (19.25 CET) with the race starting at 10.30 EST (15.30 CET) on Saturday 20th.
The race in its entirety will be covered live on Motors TV. The excellent Radio Le Mans will be broadcasting a live radio race commentary on www.radiolemans.com and website updates can be found on the official American Le Mans Series website -www.americanlemans.com.
Posted on 18/03/2010 by Colm Hamrogue