Maxime Martin: “It was time to change creameries”

Thus, the Belgian put an end to five years of collaboration with Aston Martin, last Saturday, near Road Atlanta. Petit's ordeal Le Mans perfectly sums up Martin's mixed record with Aston. “ The result is not great, confirms our interlocutor. We had electronic problems and a drive-through penalized us. In short, we found ourselves two laps behind the leaders in the category (GTD. Editor’s note). But we cut the line in 7^e position one lap away from the winners. Which allows my teammate Roman de Angelis to be crowned champion. Just like Heart of Racing Team »

In five years, Maxime Martin's career has experienced ups and downs. “ It is clear that the GTE victory at the 24 2020 Hours of Le Mans constitutes the strongest moment of this collaboration. I also experienced quite a few setbacks. » The fact that Aston Martin was bought by Lawrence Stroll to a consortium led by David Richards (founder of Prodrive which develops the GT) had an influence on the smooth running of the program? “ Several elements intervened, continues Martin. The buyout, but also Covid, did not help. What was not easy to accept was that the program in WEC, which constituted the most important basis of our activity, stopped halfway. This led to quite a bit of free time. Reason why I competed in races with Porsche in 2021, in agreement with my employer. I must also recognize that I have had the chance to taste a multitude of championships. So, I was lined up in British GT, IMSA, WEC, GT World Challenge, at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and in the preparatory races. » That this speech is politically correct, no one doubts it. But at 36, Maxime Martin had to react.

BMW or… the American way?

Is it the recurring rumor of the takeover of Aston Martin by a Chinese consortium which allows it to break a three-year contract and encourages it to change creameries? Obviously, his employer's attitude has changed. It turns out that his escape prospects were blocked by Aston Martin in the recent past. And then, suddenly, his bosses became more understanding. Since this announcement, many observers have imagined that Maxime Martin would soon return to BMW. “ It would make me very happy, says Vincent Vosse, the boss of the WRT team which is now collaborating with the Munich brand. Maxime was one of our fiercest rivals in recent years. I tried several times to integrate him into Audi, without success. Of course I recommended it to the BMW management board, but it's up to them to decide. "" It's been fifteen years since we told ourselves, with Vincent, that we were going to work together, laughs Martin. Know that at 36 years old, I am aiming for the long term. And I find myself in a comfortable situation: I have received several proposals. »

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