Beechdean AMR clinch fourth in GTE Am at Le Mans

Beechdean Aston Martin Racing (AMR) managed to finish in a creditable 4thplace at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The #99 Aston Martin Vantage V8 GTE car completed a total of 4,528.08 km and 331 laps on Circuit De La Sarthe over the 24 hour race.

After running a faultless race, driving trio of Andrew Howard, Ross Gunn and Olly Bryant kept their cool in the sweltering weather conditions that pushed cars, teams and drivers to the limit in the most iconic endurance race in the world. Viewed by over 120 million people on TV and a further 650,000 trackside, the #99 Aston Martin V8 slowly climbed up the GTE AM order after qualifying 9th.

After a trouble free night period, the car was in contention for a class podium. The #99 car became the sole GTE AM Aston Martin fighting for the podium against 4 fellow Ferrari competitors, and after a hotly contested final 6 hours had to settle for 4th in class with a margin of 75 seconds to the podium.

Team boss and driver Andrew Howard said following the race, “To finish Le Mans for a second year is amazing, the whole team have done an amazing job. A fourth place is more than we could have expected in such a competitive 16 car field. To be 75 seconds off the podium and on the same lap as the second place car means we have plenty to aim for in the future.”

Team mate and debutant Ross Gunn, who set the 3rd fastest lap of 3.53.797 in GTE AM, commented, “Le Mans week was an incredible experience. Every member of the team played their part in not only finishing but also coming so close to the podium. I hope to get the opportunity to race at Le Mans again next year.”

“Finishing Le Mans 24 hours is a massive achievement.” Said experienced GT driver Olly Bryant. “To finish as high up as 4th and within striking distance of the podium is a testament to all the hard work by Beechdean AMR. I’d like to thank all my sponsors for making this possible and Andrew and Ross for being such good team mates and not putting a foot wrong all week – top job!”

Beechdean AMR’s season is by no way over following the completion of Le Mans 24 hour. The GTE will return to race in the third round of the European Le Mans Series in Austria at the Red Bull Ring.

Source material - Beechdean AMR