ALMS: Aston announce two-car Sebring assault

Aston Martin Racing will make their prototype debut in the American Le Mans Series this March after confirming a two-car assault on the Sebring 12 Hours.

The team’s pair of Lola-built LMP1 prototypes will go wheel-to-wheel with Peugeot for outright victory in Florida before also contesting the championship’s second round in Long Beach as the marque prepares for a second successive shot at Le Mans in June.

Existing drivers Harold Primat, Darren Turner, Stefan Mucke and Chris Buncombe will be joined by reigning ALMS P2 champion Adrian Fernandez whose eponymous team was forced to close over the winter. The quintuplet, soon to become six when an as yet unnamed driver is announced in the coming weeks, will also contest the opening Le Mans Series race at Paul Ricard on April 11.

The team has also confirmed its participation in selected blue riband races post Le Mans. Despite no official confirmation, these are most likely to be the Silverstone 1000kms, Petit Le Mans and Asian event earmarked for the ACO’s inaugural Intercontinental Cup.

Aston Martin Racing Team Principal, George Howard-Chappell said, “Having won the Le Mans Series Team and Driver titles in 2009 it will be a hard act to follow. However, we are looking forward to a great season of racing and we hope to have another strong showing at Le Mans. I’d like to welcome Adrian to the team, I’m sure with his experience he will be a great addition to our driver line-up.”

Catch the Sebring 12 Hours live and exclusive on Motors TV this March.

Tom Hornsby