Aston Martin Racing : Third at the halfway point

Aston Martin Racing made a solid start in The 12 Hours of Sebring. All three drivers, Adrian Fernández (MX), Stefan Mücke (DE) and Harold Primat (CH) have driven a double stint in the opening round of the American Le Mans Series below blue skies in Florida.

The 007 Aston Martin sponsored by Lowe’s, now having completed 192 laps of the 3.7 mile circuit, is currently running in third and holding position as the fastest of the petrol-powered cars. Fernández got a good start off the grid staying clear of traffic but after 10 minutes lost a position due to pick-up on the tyres. During the first pit stop for fuel and new tyres, Fernández remained behind the wheel to complete his trouble-free stint.

Mücke took over and completed his double stint on just one set of Michelin tyres, stopping briefly for fuel. As Mücke handed over to Primat, the Aston Martin Racing team took the opportunity to make a minor aerodynamic modification to the rear of the car with the aim of limiting pick-up on the front tyres.

Fernández said: “In my first stint, the initial four to five laps were really good, but then it became difficult because there was a lot of pick-up on the tyres, and the front lacked grip. Once we changed compound, I was able to push harder and reduce the lap times.

“Now we just have to stay out of trouble as the traffic is very tricky and push on through the second half of the race.”

Mücke said: “I’m pleased with progress so far, there is a lot of rubber on the track making grip difficult and traffic was preventing me cleaning the tyres. I think the change to the car’s aerodynamics should really help for the remaining six hours.”

Primat said: “My run was fine, and the tyres were wearing consistently which is why the team decided to continue with the same set for the next stint. The cockpit temperature is great and the air conditioning has really helped today.”

AMR