Aston Martin Sebring line-up confirmed

Aston Martin's Sebring line-up confirmed

Aston Martin Racing has confirmed its driver line-up for next month's Sebring 12-hour endurance race.

In Sebring, the Aston Martin DBR9 with red highlights will be driven by Tomas Enge (Czech Republic), Darren Turner (UK) and, making his Aston Martin debut, Formula One driver Nicolas Kiesa of Denmark. The DBR9 with yellow highlights will be driven by Aston Martin regulars Pedro Lamy (Portugal) and Stéphane Sarrazin (France) along with another newcomer, the Australian V8 Supercar driver, Jason Bright.

George Howard-Chappell, Team Principal of Aston Martin Racing, said: "I'm very pleased with the team of drivers we've got for Sebring. I think we have an exciting and dynamic mix of established Aston Martin drivers and some new faces who bring with them a wealth of related experience. Last year our performance at Sebring far exceeded our expectations but we're not underestimating the challenge this time, especially from the factory Corvette team. I've no doubt it's going to be a very tough race but I've every confidence that our drivers will give us the best possible chance of a good result."

The two new Aston Martin Racing drivers first drove the DBR9 at a test session at the Vallelunga circuit in Italy. "It was my first ever test in a sportscar, previously I've only raced single seaters so I didn't really know what to expect," said Kiesa. "But I was very impressed. The team helped me adjust quickly to the car and it's actually very easy to drive. By midday on day two I was lapping as quickly as the regular drivers and was able to give feedback on some new aerodynamic parts. There's no doubt I'm part of a team with the potential to win. I am very aware of the challenge ahead and can't wait to get started."

Jason Bright said: "I'm very excited - this is a fantastic opportunity for me and I can't wait to compete at some of the world's most prestigious motor races with Aston Martin Racing. Being able to draw upon the high level of experience that exists with this team should also help my Australian V8 Supercar Championship campaign."

"I watched Jason and Nicolas testing in Vallelunga and they both did a very good job," said Darren Turner, one of the drivers of last year's class winning Aston Martin DBR9. "The other three guys have already proved their speed in the team, so I think overall we're a strong group of contenders. Of course it would be great to repeat last year's result but it's going to be hard work. We'll do everything we can though, we've a great team of people supporting us and I think either car is capable of being quick enough to win."

The 54th running of the Sebring endurance classic is scheduled to start at 1030hrs EST on 18 March and marks the start of the 2006 American Le Mans season.

-aston martin-