Aston Martin Racing wins European Le Mans Series opener

Aston Martin Racing took victory and a second podium position at the season opening round of the European Le Mans Series over the weekend. In a race that enjoyed near perfect weather, on a day which had earlier seen Silverstone struck by snowstorms, both Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTEs performed faultlessly throughout the four hours.

The Beechdean AMR entry, driven by Andrew Howard, Alex Macdowall and Aston Martin Racing works driver Darren Turner started the race from seventh but quickly progressed to the front of the GTE pack after avoiding a series of incidents at the beginning of the race. The result brought Beechdean AMR its first win in 2016 season.

Turner commented, “Alex did a great job with his starting position. He managed to avoid all of the carnage on the opening lap and did a sterling job to handover the car in the lead. After jumping in, I had a reasonably trouble free stint with just a sprinkling of rain before handing over to Andrew who did a great job towards the end of the race. Overall, it was a very pleasing result and a great way for Beechdean to start the championship”.

Meanwhile, the ROFGO AMR entry driven by Roald Goethe, Stuart Hall and Aston Martin Racing factory driver Richie Stanaway took third place. After starting the race from pole position, the team maintained a competitive pace throughout the four hours to remain at the front of the GTE field.

Speaking of the result, Managing Director of Aston Martin Racing John Gaw said, “This weekend’s outcome in the European Le Mans Series highlights the strength of our V8 Vantage GTE. Both Beechdean AMR and ROFGO AMR have high ambitions in this series and the results today are testimony both to their professionalism and the car which they are campaigning. I’d like to thoroughly congratulate both on their performances”.