Aston Martin Racing have confirmed the driving line-ups for next month's Le Mans 24 Hours, with two new drivers joining the works team hoping to better their fourth place overall from last year.
The first of the team's two Gulf-liveried Lola-Aston Martins – carrying no.007 – will be driven by a trio already experienced in the LMP1 coupe, with Mexican Adrian Fernandez making his La Sarthe debut with the team alongside Stefan Mucke and Harold Primat.
The no.009 on the other hand welcomes two new drivers to the team with Juan Barazi and Sam Hancock joining Darren Turner. Both new drivers are experienced in Prototype racing and around Le Mans.
“It is incredible to be driving for the Aston Martin team,” said Hancock, who already has four Le Mans starts, most recently with Courage Competition in 2006. “To be a British driver representing what is arguably one of the coolest brands in the world and at possibly the greatest race of the annual calendar, is a real honour and privilege. I am happy to have this opportunity to work with such a world-class skilled team which for any professional driver is a great prospect.”
Barazi's CV is perhaps even stronger, having contested the American and European Le Mans Series, as well as the legendary endurance race. He moves to Aston Martin having raced last year for the Barazi-Epsilon squad he part owns.
“I've been testing with Harold and Sam and it really is an honour to be driving with Aston Martin and all the heritage that goes with the marquee,” says the Dane. “I'm going to give it my absolute best and have been familiarising myself with the car out here in Spain. The Aston Martin LMP1 is such a beautiful car to drive, and is incredibly quick and comfortable which will help with the long stints. You can definitely feel the DNA. I am also pleased to be working with a team with such a wealth of experience.”
“You work everything around this race, and I am really looking forward to it,” explains Fernandez, who has already driven the car in 12 Hours of Sebring and St. Petersburg rounds of the ALMS. “It is great to have such a familiar team; we have been working incredibly well together in the three races this year and I'm pleased to have my team mates around me.”
“We have another strong driver line-up for this year's race,” enthuses AMR team principal George Howard-Chappell. “The works team have been gelling well and has gained some valuable experience with the car this season. We also have Darren who has competed in every Le Mans with Aston Martin Racing since it was formed and will feel completely at home in the car at this circuit. Complementing our existing team, I am pleased to welcome Juan and Sam who between them bring a wealth of experience.”
