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PODIUM AND BEST PETROL CAR FOR GULF & AMR
The Gulf-sponsored 007 Aston Martin Racing (AMR) LMP1 car continued its good form from the 2009 season by being the first petrol car across the line, in the opening round of the American Le Mans Series: the 12 Hours of Sebring, en route to third place overall.
Drivers Adrian Fernández (MX), Stefan Mücke (DE) and Harold Primat (CH) were consistent throughout, as was the production-based Aston Martin V12-powered prototype, which once again proved its reliability and durability.
007 had qualified in third, behind the two works Peugeot diesels. In a largely uneventful race, where the advantage of diesel power held sway, Aston Martin Racing finished the race in the same position they had started, 12 hours earlier.
Team Principal, George Howard-Chappell commented: “I’m very pleased; it’s the best we could have expected if all front running cars were reliable - which they were. We wanted to be the fastest petrol car at Sebring and it’s excellent preparation for Le Mans, having a completely clean run with no issues at all. The Michelin tyres were fantastic as usual, so we’re happy all round.”
The blue and orange AMR LMP1 car ran faultlessly throughout the race, completing 364 laps of the 3.7 mile Sebring International Raceway and covering a total of 1,347 miles.
Reigning Le Mans Series champion driver, Stefan Mücke summed up his race: “We had no problems, although it was tough racing here during the night. We did the very best that we could and the car was reliable, as expected, so I’m very happy.”
AMR achieved their excellent result with an immaculate performance by all involved, echoing 2009’s result at the Le Mans 24 Hour race.
Aston Martin Chairman, David Richards was quick to recognise the contribution of the whole team: “ (It was) Another immaculate performance by George and his team in finishing here as fastest petrol car and a great start to the season.”
AMR newcomer, Adrian Fernandez was also delighted with his first appearance in the Gulf-liveried LMP1 car: “It was a fantastic race for the team and a great start for me, in my debut with Aston Martin. The team and the other drivers did a superb job in what was a very tough race. It bodes well for the car, because if it can handle 12 Hours of Sebring, then it will do well in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
The legendary Sebring circuit has provided an invaluable test for the car and the Gulf-supported team now turn their thoughts to the eight hour Le Mans Series race at Paul Ricard in France on 11th April. The team will then return to the USA for the second round of the American Le Mans Series at Long Beach on 17th April.
Gulf Oil International Brand and Marketing Manager, Sam Cork rounds off the weekend from Gulf’s perspective: “Gulf’s partnership with Aston Martin Racing has again started the season in great style. The team were extremely strong throughout the race, with superb pit work and consistently fast, yet careful driving. AMR had a place on the podium within their grasp almost from the start, which was extremely impressive. Everyone at Gulf congratulates them on their performance and hopes that the team will continue to go from strength to strength in 2010.”
Posted on 22/03/2010 by Colm Hamrogue