Aston Martin tops GT classes at Le Mans 2013 test

Aston Martin Racing has topped the timing sheets in both GTE classes at the official 24 Hours of Le Mans test session over the weekend and have all five Gulf-liveried Vantage GTEs prepared and ready to go for the 2013 Le Mans 24hr.

Aston Martin Racing has entered five Vantage GTEs – three Pro and two Am. Qualifying starts on Wednesday 19th with the race starting Saturday 22nd June.

It was a mixed weather 8 hour test with the AMR crews working closely with their drivers to fine-tune the new Le Mans-specific aero package as well as completing the standard pre-race set up practices. When the test day ended, it was the #97 Vantage GTE that had recorded the fastest time in the GTE Pro class with the #96 Vantage GTE taking the top spot in the Am class. The team also secured the second fastest time in each category.

Peter Dumbreck (GB), who set the fastest GTE lap of the day aboard the #97 Vantage GTE with a time of 3:58.806, comments: “First of all, for me it’s a chance to get time in the Vantage GTE. So far this year I haven’t done many miles in the car. After eight years, I’m back at Le Mans and re-learning the track. I started in the wet, but finished in the dry and got a clear lap. It’s been a great start to my Le Mans.”

Jamie Campbell-Walter (GB), fastest in GTE Am in the #96 car with a time of 4:00.867, adds: “The car is obviously very good. The most important thing here is that the car is comfortable. Yes, speed is important, but you need a comfortable car and we certainly have that. We are here first and foremost to test the car, but to be fastest is great and bodes well for the race in two weeks’ time.”

In addition, AMR’s three Le Mans ‘rookie’ drivers – Paul Dalla Lana (CN), Jonny Adam (GB) and Richie Stanaway (NZ) – completed the 10 mandatory laps required in order to race in the 24 Hour of Le Mans in two weeks’ time. Adam & Stanaway will act as reserve drivers during the race so both would have benefitted from the track time. Aston Martin celebrates its centenary year in 2013 and the company are looking to come away from Le Mans with results that suitably mark the occasion.

The 2013 24 Heure Du Le Mans is the 90th race held – the race begins at 15;00hrs CET 22nd June