Sebring: Aston Martin Racing preview

ASTON MARTIN ANNOUNCES DRIVER LINE-UP FOR 12 HOURS OF SEBRING

Gaydon, 15 March 2010. Aston Martin Racing drivers Adrian Fernandez (MX), Stefan Mucke (DE) and Harold Primat (CH) will form the 007 entry at the 12 Hours of Sebring on 20 March.

Aston Martin Racing will enter one factory LMP1 car at the prestigious American race: the scene of the Aston Martin DBR9's GT1 class victory on its competition debut in 2005.

Fernandez, who is new to Aston Martin Racing this year, is the reigning LMP2 champion in the American Le Mans Series - with extensive experience of American circuits. "I'm delighted to be contesting Sebring with Aston Martin," he said. "I have plenty of experience of LMP2 cars, but the LMP1 Aston is another step up entirely: it's a real driver's car."

Mucke helped Aston Martin to the 2009 Le Mans Series title and will be an invaluable asset to the Aston Martin Racing team as he contests the 12 Hours of Sebring for the first time. "I'm really looking forward to the experience," he commented. "Sebring is a unique circuit; it's a legendary name and a huge challenge."

Primat joined Aston Martin Racing last year, competing in the Le Mans Series and at Le Mans itself. He too is a fan of Sebring. "It's one of the most demanding circuits that I have ever raced on," he reported. "I am looking forward to racing there again, the welcome we have received so far has been tremendous."

The drivers have all been to Sebring to test the car, which has been modified from last year to comply with the latest 2010 Le Mans regulations. Unlike most other circuits, Sebring is extremely rough and bumpy, requiring a very specific set-up. As usual, the 007 car will run in its now-traditional blue and orange Gulf livery.

Aston Martin Racing Team Principal George Howard-Chappell commented: "We're fortunate to benefit from a talented pool of drivers this year, and for our first trip to Sebring with the LMP1 car the accent is firmly on experience. I'm convinced that Adrian, Stefan and Harold will all do a great job. Sebring is one of the toughest races that we will face all year, particularly as we are up against some extremely strong rivals."

Following the 12 Hours of Sebring, Aston Martin Racing will go on to contest the second round of the American Le Mans Series: the Long Beach Grand Prix on 17 April.

In addition to the American races, Aston Martin Racing will also contest the first round of the European Le Mans Series at Paul Ricard on April 11, in preparation for the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours.

-source: amr