Crucial race for Beechdean in ELMS at Spa this weekend

Beechdean Aston Martin Racing (AMR) will compete in the fifth round of the 2016 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) at the challenging Spa Francorchamps circuit in the east of Belgium. Drivers Andrew Howard, Darren Turner and Alex MacDowall currently sit second in the GTE driver standings, five points behind the leaders.

Informally known simply as ‘Spa’, the circuit is often high on the list of driver’s favourites, due to its undulating nature, large variety of corners and picturesque setting. The 4.352 mile circuit, that carves its way through the Ardennes forest will play host to the four hour endurance race. The circuit is unique when it comes to its layout and weather - with own micro climate. Drivers will often experience different weather conditions from one corner to another. Consequentially, the circuit presents a strategic challenge for drivers and race engineers, making it an enthralling spectacle for fans.

The 2016 ELMS season to date has been a story of consistency for the Beechdean AMR Aston Martin Vantage V8 GTE. The #99 car has finish inside the top five in each of the four ELMS races this season and showed strong pace at all of the circuits in the championship, around the continent.

“Spa has always been one of my favourite tracks, it is a circuit that rewards the brave.” Stated team owner and driver Andrew Howard. “This is the round I have been looking forward to the most and with the additional aero on the GTE it is going to be another great learning curve. ELMS is a very competitive championship so this will be a crucial round for the Beechdean AMR team.

Aston Martin Racing Factory Driver Darren Turner, fresh from a recent successful run in the FIA World Endurance Championship, said, “I'm looking forward to going back to Spa. We were there earlier this year with the WEC programme and it's a real favourite for me, as it's such a challenging circuit. The championship is still very tight so we need to make the most of it this weekend and claw back a good result against the JMW Ferrari to make sure the fight goes down to the wire in Estoril.”

“I'm really looking forward to racing at Spa again this year.” Commented Carlisle based driver Alex MacDowall. “I'm going there off the back of a win last year in the FIA World Endurance Championship so I'm feeling very confident. The track should really suit the car and give us another chance of a podium result.”

Beechdean AMR are looking forward to an action packed weekend and are hopeful that the Circuit Spa Francorchamps will throw up an exciting race as well as a good team result. The penultimate race of the championship will see more than just the Beechdean Team as Spa.


Source material - Beechdean AMR