ASTON MARTIN RETURNS TO SHANGHAI LOOKING FOR REPEAT SUCCESS

Gaydon, 29 October 2014 - Aston Martin Racing will return to China next weekend (1 November) for the sixth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with its four Gulf-liveried V8 Vantage GTEs and hopes to repeat its class-winning success of 2012 and 2013.

The team took its first WEC class win at the Shanghai International Circuit in the championship’s inaugural year in 2012. In 2013, it returned and repeated the victory and, although the GTE Pro competition is tougher than ever, Aston Martin Racing will be hoping to cross the line in first place once again.

Looking to take its third win in Shanghai in three years, is the #97 Vantage GTE Pro driven by Darren Turner (GB) and Stefan Mücke (DE).

Turner, who holds the GTE Pro Shanghai International Circuit lap record, commented: "We've always raced well in Shanghai so I'm looking forward to returning," commented Turner, who holds the lap record for GTE Pro cars. "It's not going to be easy, though. The last two WEC rounds have been really tough. This really is the top level of sportscar racing in the world and the competition is the highest I have ever known."

Also looking for a step on the podium is the #99 Craft-Bamboo Racing Vantage GTE Pro with drivers Darryl O’Young (HK), Alex MacDowall (GB) and Fernando Rees (BR). The team not only qualified on pole for the last round of the WEC in Fuji, but also crossed the line in third place to take the team’s first WEC podium.

“We’re looking forward to racing in China next weekend,” commented Hong Kong racing driver Darryl O’Young. “This is my home race and one of the home races for our team Craft-Bamboo Racing and sponsor Interush so it’s one of the most exciting WEC events in the calendar. We had a great race in Fuji a fortnight ago so we’re heading to Shanghai with confidence but also understand the challenge we face of getting to the top step of the podium.”

In the GTE Am class, the championship leaders, the #95 Young Driver AMR Vantage GTE, will hope to extend its lead at the top of the table with drivers David Heinemeier Hansson (DN), Kristian Poulsen (DN) and Richie Stanaway (NZ).

Also in the GTE Am class is the #98 Vantage GTE of Paul Dalla Lana (CA), Pedro Lamy (PT) and Christoffer Nygaard (DN) who are hoping to continue their podium run following a win in Austin and a second place in Fuji.

“All fours of our teams are doing a great job,” commented Aston Martin Racing Team Principal John Gaw. “To be taking pole positions, podiums and race wins in all four of ours Vantage GTEs shows that our cars are consistent and competitive. We look forward to Shanghai as we have good memories here we just need to focus on coming away with as many points as possible this weekend.”

The Six Hours of Shanghai starts at 11h00 local time on Sunday 2 November.

Source - Aston Martin Racing