What is Aston Martin up to?

[AX lover]

Driving into trouble: Aston warns it may breach bank covenants
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/to...cle5536941.ece

[Tim the Grey]

I really don;t see DR getting in with the only bankrupt Kuwaitis!

[rdjones]

From what I have heard, I don't think we will have too much longer to wait before we hear what Aston Martin are up too....

[fanfisique]

WAWAWIIIWA

The new car which is based on the 2008 Charouz Racing System Lola will be powered by the same production-based Aston Martin V12 engine which, last year, helped Aston Martin secure its second successive Le Mans GT1 title with the DBR9.

[SALEEN S7R]

Excellent news! Will be fantastic seeing Aston Martin taking the fight to the diesels.

[Aslak Vind]

YESSIR, THATS MY BABY!

Excellent news, at last she is revealed. Very impressive little lady

[HORNDAWG]

Aston Martin Racing Lola B09/AMRP1 V12 ??


L.P.

[deggis]

Holy sh!t

[Aslak Vind]

Richards added that AMR have filed three entries for the 24 Hours, but that plans for a third car are far from finalised.

"We have the first test at Paul Ricard at the beginning of March, we will enter two cars in each of the Le Mans rounds, and we will have a test programme throughout the year," he said.

"There is the hope that we will run a third car at Le Mans, and we have actually entered three cars, but the third car is not yet a certainty."

Why Harold Primat?

Paying the bills, is he?

I hope they will get funding for the third car, though

[Tom87]

Absolutely brilliant news! With a new car from Audi, up to three works Astons, the Peugeots etc LM09 is going to be a vintage race. 6+ cars from 3 marques all with a shot at victory will be something else.

Mind you I am concerned about just how much of a threat to the diesels this project will be. The drivers are pretty solid, but against the likes of TK & McNish over 24 hours...? I also wonder how much development the car will recieve over the B08/60, even with the Diesels being pegged back a little this year I'm not convinced that they will have the outright pace of Peugeot (or Audi, assuming the R15 is a considerable step forwards).

Also great to hear that they will compete the whole LMS series as well, I would be very disappointed to miss out on seeing AMR compete in P1 at Silverstone.

[TWK]

Richards added that AMR have filed three entries for the 24 Hours, but that plans for a third car are far from finalised.

"We have the first test at Paul Ricard at the beginning of March, we will enter two cars in each of the Le Mans rounds, and we will have a test programme throughout the year," he said.

"There is the hope that we will run a third car at Le Mans, and we have actually entered three cars, but the third car is not yet a certainty."

...

I hope they will get funding for the third car, though.

The third car exists. It's only a question of getting the third entry from ACO and race funding. (January 15th report below.)

Le Sarthe, then Oblivion?

Murphy’s been told that three coupes on the build floor at Huntingdon are indeed for the Gaydon, Warwickshire builder of iconic automobiles. Two are certainly being equipped with V12s having cores of Teutonic design and head covers emblazoned with the famous wing logo. The third may be the same. All three will go from Huntingdon to France in June for the classic in La Sarthe, thence straight into the dark garages of the oligarchs who have financed them.

[Aslak Vind]

I know it exists, but it should race and not just stand as spareparts

[deggis]

Q & A with David Richards

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73010

"Maybe" races in ALMS later in the year. Regarding Sebring, decision to go for this was made too late but apparently it was included in the plans initially. Also question about future (after 2009) but no clear answer.

[rich07]

Awesome news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Its great that they are doing LMS as well, it'll be a good lead up to LM. The confirmation of the news that most of us have dreamt of for so long has made my day. Hopefully the third car hits the track too. The more the merrier. Well this puts paid to a final Corvette v Aston factory GT1 battle, hopefully AMR support JetAlliance or Gigawave.

[Canada ALMS fan]

Originally Posted by deggis

Q & A with David Richards

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73010

"Maybe" races in ALMS later in the year. Regarding Sebring, decision to go for this was made too late but apparently it was included in the plans initially. Also question about future (after 2009) but no clear answer.

This is fantastic news, Le Mans is shaping up to be a classic this year! Too bad they won't be ready in time for Sebring, but then there's always Petit. This is clearly the best looking LMP1 IMO.

[Audi Racer]

What do they mean they need to find a third driver. David Brabham

[Aslak Vind]

He is not signed by Acura?

[deggis]

Originally Posted by Canada ALMS fan

This is clearly the best looking LMP1 IMO.

Me too. Much better than new Acura... I already thought the Lola coupe could have been best looking with a less awkward looking front, and now they're fixed that area. Plus Gulf colours.

[joeb]

I really like the front end in the drawing, I wonder how much the actually car will look like that?

[WMUCarGuy]

The Aston-esque "grille" is easily identifiable. Less so are the vents just ahead of the cockpit are shaped just like those on Aston's road cars.

[Audi Racer]

Originally Posted by Aslak Vind

He is not signed by Acura?

Even though he races for acura. there are not going to be any hondas, or acuras at Lemans so he can do Lemans

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by Aslak Vind

He is not signed by Acura?

I take it you meant AMR. (?)


L.P.

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by Audi Racer

Even though he races for acura. there are not going to be any hondas, or acuras at Lemans so he can do Lemans

When questioned at the AIS he said he was not signed with AMR for Le Mans and it sounded like he would not be. Could be wrong, but???



L.P.

[rich07]

Brabs would be a very worthy third driver-I can't see why AMR wouldn't want him at LM. I don't Acura care as long as it doesnt interfere with ALMS, if Acura goes to Le Mans next year, one could see Brabs with Acura though in 2010.

[juicy sushi]

if acura are testing during the le mans break, then brabham might not be able to make it to le mans. and would acura want one of their drivers getting anywhere near a rival lmp1 team?...