24 Hours of Le Mans class winner Darren Turner has renewed his partnership with Aston Martin Racing for a further three years.
The 41 year old has represented the British marque in various GT and endurance categories since 2004, from GT4 up to the Lola/Aston Martin LMP1 project.
Most recently Turner has taken part in the FIA World Endurance Championship GTE-Pro class with long-standing team-mate Stefan Mücke, as well as the annual Nürburgring 24 Hours in a GT3-spec Vantage.
“Within my time at Aston Martin Racing we have had so many highs,” said Turner. “Like with any team, we have had our low points too but we always come out fighting – right now we are in a very strong place.”
“We have an exciting few years ahead of us in GT racing. The discipline is going from strength-to-strength and I’m looking forward to working with the team to develop its new cars. I very much look forward to many more exciting times ahead with Aston Martin.”
In addition to his racing commitments Turner will take on a developmental and ambassadorial role within Aston Martin’s road car business. Turner has already liaised with the road car division, most notably the Aston Martin Vulcan project, but this is the first time that he will be involved as part of a formal contract.
Aston Martin Racing president John Gaw said: “We’ve signed a three-year deal but we certainly see Darren’s future with Aston Martin Racing as ongoing.”
“He has been with us since the company was founded and is therefore not only a very strong and reliable driver but also has an understanding of the team and insight into the cars better than anyone else ever could. His professional, mature and positive attitude is invaluable within our team as we look to bring in and develop young talent.”
Turner’s next racing appearance will be at the FIA WEC 6 Hours of the Nürburgring on August 30. Turner and Mücke currently sit 14th in the World Endurance Cup for GT drivers, while Aston Martin is third in the manufacturer’s race with Porsche and Ferrari.
