Aston Martin Destined for the ALMS

[gaijin]

ASTON MARTIN DESTINED FOR THE AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES

Braselton, GA - On a crisp morning across the pond in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Racing unleashed the new DBR9 for its first round of tests to prepare for its exciting American Le Mans Series debut at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring at Sebring International Raceway.

"We are very excited about Aston Martin's involvement with the American Le Mans Series," said IMSA CEO Tim Mayer returning from the Aston Martin launch in Gaydon England. "The fact that DBR9 has the unique ALMS Leader Lights System pre-molded into the body is a testament that it is destined for ALMS competition. The car is certainly beautiful and the engineering details are clearly well done. We think that this is a car that fans and competitors will welcome to the grid and we look forward to its debut at Sebring International Raceway in March."

Following a successful launch to mark its return to international motor sport on Thursday November 4 the Aston Martin DBR9 immediately embarked upon its first track test on Friday November 5 at Snetterton race circuit, in the UK.

The Aston Martin Racing team reported that the car completed 20 laps with test driver Darren Turner at the wheel. Turner who was tasked with giving the DBR9 its debut run reported the car to be well balanced and having great potential.

The DBR9 tested for the second time at Donington Park on Thursday November 11. The test was primarily for early durability, running and systems checks, as well as balance development. AMR is very happy with the way the DBR9 is currently performing and is planning to test again in the UK next week.

"Aston Martin has a rich motor sport heritage that in part was created in North America with many of our customers using their Aston Martins to go racing," said Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez. "In 2005 the brand is returning to the circuits and the American Le Mans Series will be an important opportunity for us to showcase the DBR9. We took four years to find the ideal partner in David Richards and Prodrive and together have created Aston Martin Racing. The DBR9 is the first step in our return to motor sport and I know that our customers and enthusiasts alike are looking forward to seeing Aston Martin racing again at an international level in 2005."

Aston Martin Racing will run two cars at the American Le Mans Series 12 Hours of Sebring and then move to Europe to prepare for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 2005. This will mark Aston Martin's return to the race, which was won outright in 1959 with Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby. In recognition of this, the DBR9 will follow the Le Mans-winning DBR1 and Works DB3S and carry the same green and yellow livery as the cars that dominated sports car racing in the late 1950s.

"Aston Martin is a legacy that will fit in very well with the American Le Mans Series," said American Le Mans Series CEO Scott Atherton. "The fact that the DBR9 will make its debut at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring is something that every racing enthusiast will look forward to. We are extremely pleased to have a new relationship with Aston Martin Racing and feel the debut will produce an added element of excitement to one of the world's great sports car endurance races."