First Aston Martin tests for Comtoyou Racing in Valencia

Comtoyou Racing carried out its first tests in an Aston Martin on the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia (Spain).

Published on 12/01/2024 à 16:34

Valentin GLO

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First Aston Martin tests for Comtoyou Racing in Valencia

Comtoyou Racing will run in Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo for the 2024 GT World Challenge Europe season. The Belgian team had the opportunity to test the British brand's car for the first time on Thursday January 11 on the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia (Spain).

« We must recognize that this day is likely to be engraved in our memory for a long time, confides François Verbist, the Team Manager of Comtoyou Racing. This is, in a way, the first day of our long-term collaboration with Aston Martin Racing. The start of a new adventure. This moment was a little emotional and I admit I felt a certain pride knowing that we are the first customer team to run this car. But we didn't have a lot of time to think about it: we had two long days of work ahead of us! »

Under the watchful eye of Benoit Bourdaire, AMR Global Head of Sales, the Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo first completed short driving sessions. “ This is the very principle of breaking down a new car, recalls François Verbist. We check that everything is working correctly, that everything is tight, that there is no leak of any fluid... Then, we started to lengthen the runs and work in more detail. It was very interesting and we were able to learn a lot from it. »

Just confirmed, the young Matisse Lismont shared the wheel with Nicolas Baert and Finlay Hutchison. Official driver of the Gaydon brand, Marco Sorensen was also present to share his experience with the Belgian team and interact with engineer Sébastien Breuil. For Nicolas Baert also this day represented something special.

« New Year's raclette is far away, joked the young Belgian with his usual sense of humor. But how good is it to be back on a circuit! I took the time to savor the moment when I slipped into the seat and I admit to feeling a mixture of excitement and pride to see this new adventure begin. Afterwards, I was there to do the job and I must say that we all worked well together. With its front engine, this Aston Martin is different from the GT3s I have driven before and the feeling is therefore different, but I immediately had a lot of fun behind the wheel. I am convinced that she and I will get along well. Looking forward to the sequel! »

ALSO READ > Comtoyou Racing with Aston Martin from 2024

Valentin GLO

Journalist. Endurance reporter (WEC, IMSA, ELMS, ALMS) and sometimes F1 or IndyCar.

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