Aston Martin start from third and fourth at Laguna Seca

Saturday, September 17, 2011


In the penultimate round of the American Le Mans Series, Aston Martin Racing will start from third and fourth position in tomorrow’s six hour endurance race on the famous 2.238 mile Monterey circuit.
Under typically sunny skies, Adrian Fernandez (MEX) put in a 1:14.621 lap in the factory entered Lowes-sponsored DBR1-2, which successfully gained the team third on the grid for tomorrow’s race.
Klaus Graf (D) drove the V12 powered Aston Martin LMP1 machine of Official Partner Team, Muscle Milk Racing in the half-hour qualifying session, achieving a time of 1:15.564 which earned them fourth on the grid.
On the team’s expectations for the race tomorrow, Team Principal, George Howard-Chappell said: “I think we’ll run well in the race. I expect our race pace compared to our qualifying pace against our competitors will be slightly better.
“To come to the US after such a long break and to get third on the grid – I’m pretty please with that. We’re looking forward to racing along with our team mates at Muscle Milk tomorrow.”
Fernandez said: “I was a little surprised how quick the others were, I knew we were strong, but we need to make a few minor setup changes for the race.
“I am confident for tomorrow; I think we have been consistent and have made good progress with the setup since yesterday. Harold, Stefan and I are happy – we just need to avoid mistakes tomorrow and I am just pleased to race here for Lowes.”
The Lowes sponsored Aston Martin DBR1-2 was shipped out of Silverstone, England immediately after the Autosport 6 Hours last Sunday and was flown air-freight arriving in California on Tuesday evening after clearing customs giving the team just enough time to set it up for the Californian race.
Klaus Graf, co-driver the number 6 Muscle Milk Aston Martin LMP1 said: “It wasn’t our best qualifying effort, but at the end of the day it’s a long race and I’m sure we’ll have a better race car tomorrow.
“It was tough in qualifying today. I struggled with grip and couldn’t do the things I wanted to do out there. That makes it obviously a bit difficult and frustrating as well. But on the other hand, I know it’s such a long race and it doesn’t really matter where we start.
“I’m confident for tomorrow’s race, we had good sessions in the practices and in the long runs I think we were the most consistent and that’s important.”
The American Le Mans Series six hour race starts at 13:30 (PDT) on Saturday 17 September 2011 and is televised live on ESPN 3.

Aston Martin Racing
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