Le Mans 2011: Aston Martin wants victory

After a successful 2009 season, with a Le Mans Series title and fourth place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans (each time with Jan Charouz, Tomas Enge and Stefan Mücke), many doubts remained as to the commitment of the Gaydon brand in Endurance This year. Running with a Lola chassis, the British seemed to wish to concentrate on the construction of a car, this time developed in their own workshops, meeting the requirements of the 2011 regulations.

But the contribution of budget from certain drivers being accompanied by a desire not to let the whole team lose control, the decision was made to return in 2010. Point of Le Mans Series, but of races in preparation for the Le Mans classic, and perhaps participation in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC).
And the least we can say is that the start of the season is going rather well, with three podiums in as many events contested.

However, on June 12 and 13, in Sarthe, it will be very difficult to repeat last year's great performance. The cars have hardly changed, as for the drivers, exit the Enge, Charouz and other Davidsons, make way for Adrian Fernandez, Sam Hancock and Juan Barazi. If the first, who has nothing more to prove, was able to take part in several races in the seat of the B09/60 Gulf, the Briton and the Dane will take their first start both at the wheel of the car and within of the team. And if diesels are clearly inaccessible, we will also have to overcome, among others, the Lola-Rebellion and the Oreca 01 AIM.

But the 2010 edition has not even started yet, at Aston, we are already talking about 2011. Next year, David Richards wants to return to the Sarthe prefecture in mid-June. But this time, there is no question of only fighting for runners-up. It is the highest step of the podium that will be targeted. But according to the boss of Prodrive, the equivalence currently in force does not in any way give petrol cars the possibility of winning.

“We really want to be there, says David Richards to Autosport magazine. We are working on the design of a new car, and above all, we are discussing with the ACO, to ensure that there will be true equivalence. As soon as we have the guarantee of not being slowed down in one way or another, then we will make the decision to be at Le Mans next year. If everyone starts on an equal footing, then we will be there. We have the resources to do it. We cannot, financially speaking, match Peugeot and Audi, but we can be more efficient.”

This equivalence will therefore continue to be talked about. For some, it is poorly made, for others, we will not be able to know more until a major manufacturer enters Le Mans with a gasoline-powered car. But one thing is certain, no one would mind seeing a third thief go up against Audi and Peugeot in the fight for victory on the 24 Hour circuit.

Don't miss our Guide to the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2010, on newsstands now, so as not to miss anything from the 78th edition of the Sarthe double clock tower.