Two 'factory' supported Aston Martins will be among the marque's presence at this weekend's Nurburgring 24 Hours.
The assault will, to quote Aston Martin, be “spearheaded” by race-prepared version of the brand-new four-door sportscar Rapide model. Powered by six-litre V12 470bhp engine the car will run very close to production-spec, with the interior trim removed, racing suspension added along with FIA safety modifications and run of racing slick tyres.
The car will be shared between four drivers, led by Dr. Ulrich Bez, the Aston Martin CEO. Dr. Bez will be joined by the Director and engineering manager of Aston's Nurburgring Test Centre – Wolfgang Schuhbauer and Chris Porritt – and British journalist Matthew Marsh.
The second 'works' Aston – a V12 Vantage – also sees Porritt amongst a quartet of drivers, experienced racers Peter Cate, Oliver Mathai and journalist Richard Meaden completing the line-up.
The car, based on the V8 engined road car, is a developed version of the car that won the SP8 class year, this year carrying a new aerodynamic package defending its victory in the class.
“This is our fifth consecutive year at the Nürburgring 24-hour race and it is remarkable to see how the manufacturer interest has grown as well as the pace and intensity of the racing,” says David King, Aston Martin's Head of Motorsport. “This year looks like being the toughest ever, particularly given the forecast of cold and wet weather throughout the race. However, we feel well prepared and we are ready for the challenge.”
The two cars are only the tip of Aston Martin's part in the 38th running of the race. Nine other examples of the company's work are included the 206 car entry list for the race, which starts at 2pm Saturday UK time.
