Works Aston Martin LMP1 program

[pchall]

autosport link (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73008)


Aston Martin has confirmed plans to take on Peugeot and Audi in a bid for outright victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours this season.

The British manufacturer is to develop a V12-powered LMP1 car, which will be based on the 2008 Charouz Racing-run Lola that used the engine last year, but featuring significant aerodynamic re-profiling as well as some of the marque's styling cues.

The Aston Martin Racing-run cars, which have yet to be given an official codename, will be petrol-powered and carry the famous Gulf livery.

They are expected to make their first public appearance at a test in Paul Ricard on March 8, and will make their racing debuts in the Le Mans Series round at Catalunya on April 5, ahead of the 24 Hours in June.

http://www.autosport.com/images/upload/1233014528.jpg

Do I detect a bit of an homage to the DB2 in the front, or is it just wishful thinking? Anyway, the illustration looks better to me than the Pug jet hydroplane pontoons.

http://image.motortrend.com/f/concours/57th-annual-pebble-beach-concours-delegance/6947164+w600+cr1+re0+ar1/1953-aston-martin-db2-4-allemano-berlinetta.jpg

[Andrew Longman]

Anyway, the illustration looks better to me than the Pug jet hydroplane pontoons.]

The Gulf livery will help anything.

Good news at a time when it seems ecerybody is cutting back and dropping out.

[extramundane]

Good news at a time when it seems ecerybody is cutting back and dropping out.

LMS is looking pretty strong this year- 49 full-season entries already announced, plus some (i.e. Peugeot) expected to do part-time schedule.

[Accipiter]

They are expected to make their first public appearance at a test in Paul Ricard on March 8, and will make their racing debuts in the Le Mans Series round at Catalunya on April 5, ahead of the 24 Hours in June.

Of course that presumes Aston Martin is still around in March:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/coventry_warwickshire/7855442.stm

[Lux Interior]

New Acura LMP1 been very fast at Sebring. Could be a great year. Too bad Ausi dropped out of ALMS, because Pagenaud in the Acura just kicked the crap outta Audi's Sebring lap record.

[opinionated ow]

Drool....