Young Driver AMR : Darren Turner

Darren Turner was announced today (26 January) as one of the drivers for the ‘Young Driver AMR’ team in the FIA GT1 World Championship. This move will see the British sportscar ace reunited with the car that took him to successive Le Mans 24 Hours victories in 2007 and 2008: the Aston Martin DBR9.

With Aston Martin Racing focussing its factory programme on the new LMP1 regulations that come into force in 2011, Darren has the opportunity to return to the GT1 class for 2010.

“I’m really excited to be doing the full FIA GT1 World Championship,” he said. “Not only because we will be visiting some fantastic circuits but also because the level of competition will make it an intense and enjoyable season. I’m looking forward to working with the Young Driver AMR team. After visiting the team’s base in Paderborn (Germany) last week I can see that they have the infrastructure and resources to achieve great success.”

It was Darren who drove the all-conquering Aston Martin DBR9 at its very first shakedown back in 2004. Since then he has had huge successes in that car so it is fitting that he should drive the DBR9 in the inaugural FIA GT1 World Championship.

“This is the most exciting part for me,” said Darren. “To come all the way from the first shakedown to two Le Mans victories and now this, is very special. I drove the car briefly last week and even after I got home I was still buzzing from it. Just hearing the wail of the V12 again brought it all back to me. This is going to be great!”

New for 2010 the FIA GT1 World Championship will take the 12 teams entered across the globe from the Middle East, through Europe and onto South Africa and South America in a 10-event series.

Darren will be on track in the Young Driver AMR Aston Martin DBR9 next week for the first official FIA GT test at Portimao, Portugal on 3-4 February. The season gets underway in Abu Dhabi in mid-April.

AMR Teams