Photo by: Eric Gilbert
Kronos Racing/MarcVDS Aston Martin takes seventh in Le Mans 24 Hours
La Sarthe, June 2011. The Kronos Racing/MarcVDS Aston Martin DBR1-2 this afternoon fulfilled its pre-race ambition of getting to the end of the 79th Le Mans 24 Hours.
The #22 LMP1 machine powered by the Aston Martin production-based V12 engine, shared by all-Belgian crew Vanina Ickx, Maxime Martin and Bas Leinders, enjoyed an almost trouble-free run and completed 328 laps on its way to seventh place overall and second in the unofficial petrol-powered class.
It marked the 52nd time that an Aston Martin has finished the gruelling race since the British marque first appeared at La Sarthe in 1928.
A wheel-problem for Ickx, in the opening hour was swiftly rectified, but that was the extent of the team’s worries during the round-the-clock French enduro classic.
Kronos/MarcVDS Team Principal, Marc van Dalen said: "What can I say? It's a dream come true. Three months ago we were not sure if we were going to be here and now look! It was a big human effort from the team. We got to know each other quickly and we built something special."
Vanina Ickx: "I am so proud of the team right now. They have put in so much effort, working together and not sleeping for days and days. It all paid off and it was a great 'victory' for everyone."
George Howard-Chappell, Team Principal, Aston Martin Racing said: “I would like to congratulate the Kronos Racing/MarcVDS team for their valiant effort in the build-up andover the past 24 hours. They have achieved their overall objective in a calm professional way flying the flag for Aston Martin customer teams. I am sure they will celebrate well tonight!”
-source: kronos/marc vds
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