Aston Martin GT4 Challenge returns for 2012

The Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Britain is set to return in 2012 for its third successive season, with larger grids, longer races and the chance to race on the Le Mans 24 Hour circuit.

Building on the success of previous seasons, the Challenge will return to the classic circuits of Silverstone, Oulton Park, Brands Hatch, Donington, Snetterton and Spa Francorchamps. After feedback from last season's competitors, the 2012 Challenge will feature longer races with race length increasing to 2 hours and at least one 3 hour race on the calendar.

The Aston Martin GT4 Challenge sees competitors race in identical 445bhp Aston Martin Vantage GT4s based on the road going Vantage S and featuring race developed ABS, traction control and optional paddle shift.

In addition to the seven championship rounds Challenge competitors will have the opportunity to compete in the Aston Martin Le Mans festival, an Aston Martin exclusive 45 minuet sprint race held on the 13.6km Le Mans circuit the morning before 24hour race. Full season GT4 Challenge competitors will be guaranteed entry with additional competitors from national and international series already expressing interest in the one-off event.

Provisional 2012 calendar:

April 28 - Silverstone National
May 12 - Oulton Park
June 4/5 - Brands Hatch Indy
June 16/17 -  Aston Martin Le Mans Festival*
July (tbc) -  Donington
August 18/19 -  Brands Hatch GP
September (tbc) -  Spa
October 6 -  Snetterton

*Non GT4 Challenge event.

With the high level of interest already registered in next year's Challenge, Aston Martin is hoping to see grids in excess of 20 cars for each of the seven championship rounds, with more than 25 drivers trying the GT4 car for the first time at a recent test session.