Kronos Racing: Le Mans test day with an all Belgian team

Vanina Ickx, Maxime Martin and Bas Leinders to drive the Lola Aston Martin with the cooperation of Marc VDS Racing Team

Last January, Kronos Racing, the Belgian team known around the world for its many successes in rallying, announced the launch of its new Le Mans 24 Hours program and applied for an entry to the most prestigious endurance race in the world. It was also revealed at that time that Kronos' debut in La Sarthe would be with a Lola Aston Martin LMP1 and that Vanina Ickx was the first designated driver.


Today, Kronos Racing announces that another Belgian stalwart squad, Marc VDS Racing Team, is joining forces to bring an all-Belgian team to the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours. As a first step, both parties will cooperate to participate in the official test day scheduled on 24 April, with GT racer Maxime Martin and former F.1 driver Bas Leinders sharing the wheel of the Lola Aston Martin with Vanina Ickx.


Marc Van Dalen, Co-manager of Kronos Racing :

"Our presence at the test day has been made possible by the passion that animates Marc VDS Racing Team. Vanina, Maxime and Bas form an experienced trio and we are delighted to bring a 100% Belgian outfit to the Le Mans test day".


Marc van der Straten-Ponthoz, CEO of Marc VDS Racing Team :

"It's a real pleasure to be part of this project and to be associated with such a reputed team as Kronos Racing. We are proud that our two drivers have been chosen to be along Vanina in this wonderful venture".


Jean-Pierre Mondron, Co-manager of Kronos Racing :

"We thank the ACO for their trust and support. We are hopeful that the Lola Aston Martin, which belongs to Orbello Racing, will be able to compete in the 24 Hours in June with this same driver line-up. Our first objective now is to work hard to give Vanina, Maxime and Bas everything they need to do well on 24 April and to ensure the test day will be successful for the team".