All or nothing for Beechdean at ELMS finale

Monday, October 17, 2016


This weekend Beechdean Aston Martin Racing (AMR) will compete in the final round of the 2016 European Le Mans Series (ELMS). The Series will head to the south of Portugal, where the final race will take place on the tight and twisty circuit of Autodromo do Estroril.

This will be the third year running that Autodromo do Estoril will host the championship finale. Estoril is situated thirty minutes’ drive away from from the capital of Portugal, Lisbon. The 2.599 mile circuit presents a unique challenge to drivers and teams. In last year’s race, high crosswinds and varied weather conditions added to the spice of the finale. With this in mind, teams will need to be prepared for all eventualities during the four hour race.


The 2016 European Le Mans Series has been close all season, with the leading teams constantly fighting it out on the track. The GTE title is still to be decided at the finale, however JMW hold a significant lead as the final race draws closer. The Beechdean AMR drivers; Andrew Howard, Darren Turner and Alex MacDowall have an outside chance of taking the ELMS title. However with a 20 point deficit and only 26 points available, luck will play a big part. Realistically the #99 crew will look to consolidate on their second position in the championship, with a 12 point gap to third.

“It’s been a great debut season for the team. To be in with a chance of winning the championship - even if it is a slim one - is more than we would have dared hoped for, especially given the class field of competitors” stated Howard. “However we have to be practical. Realistically we have a good chance of coming second, which will be our main priority. Overall, it had been a great season and we are pleased with what we have achieved in our first full year.”


Aston Martin Racing veteran Turner commented on the upcoming race, saying, “We have everything to play for in Estoril. Although we need a lot of luck to go our way to clinch the championship. It's been a good season and would be great to finish the season like we started with a win.”

“It is great to be fighting for the number one spot in the championship, even if our chances are extremely slim. We have had a promising season so far and have scored points at every round.” Commented MacDowell “Hopefully we can improve on last year’s result, and finish the season in style. We will go with the plan to fight, but our ultimate goal is to finish and secure second.”

Beechdean AMR are looking forward to an action packed weekend and are hopeful that Estoril will be able to produce a fitting finale to what has been an enthralling ELMS season.

Source material - Beechdean AMR
Photo credit - Xynamic / ELMS
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