Fifth Aston Martin Vantage GTE joins the Le Mans Entry List
Saturday, March 02, 2013
The Withdrawal of ESM from the GT ranks has promoted the 98 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE on to grid, giving Aston Martin Racing five entries in the historic event.
The car will now run in the GTE Pro class instead of the GTE Am class (as previously listed) thanks to reclassification from the ACO.
“We are delighted to have received the news of a fifth entry into the 90th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans” Said team principal, John Gaw. “To have been named as first reserve was good news in itself and we kept our fingers crossed that it would be upgraded to a full entry. To have it confirmed so quickly is great news as it allows us extra preparation time.
“The four Vantage GTEs competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (the #97 and #99 Pro cars and the #95 and #96 Am cars) will now be joined in the 24 Hours of Le Mans by the #98 car. And, in a change from the original entry, the #98 will now compete in the Pro class instead of the Am class.
“In this significant year for both Le Mans and Aston Martin, we would particularly like to thank the ACO for reclassifying the car from the Am to the Pro class. The 24 Hours of Le Mans GTE line-up is extremely competitive and the extra Pro class entry has further supported our ambitions in the category.
“This year is important for Aston Martin as it celebrates its centenary year, and having five cars on the grid for the biggest event on the motorsport calendar is a fitting way to celebrate.”
Lotus Formula 1 development driver Richie Stanaway and Grand-Am regular Dane Cameron will both test the V8 Vantage GTE at Road Atlanta next week, where they will test alongside Pedro Lamy, Billy Johnson and Paul Dalla Lana as they prepare for the Sebring 12 Hours later this month.
The line up for the 98 car is expected to be comprised from the drivers testing at Road Atlanta and Aston Martin Racing’s Development drivers, Daniel McKenzie and Jonny Adam who raced for AMR at Silverstone last year.
Image: Richard Leach
