The reunion between Turner and the victorious Aston Martin DBR9 at Le Mans

Darren Turner received his Christmas present in the middle of August. The Briton, despite his 47 years, has eyes that sparkle like a child when getting off his Aston Martin DBR9. It is not strictly speaking his, as it is held by a private collector. But all the same, his name is written on the roof of the GT1!

I never thought it would be possible to race the DBR9 back at Le Mans but that's what is going to happen this week. So so happy to be getting back behind the wheel of 009. Love this car. #Aston Martin #DBR9 # LeMans24 pic.twitter.com/lRNuCcBetP

— Darren Turner (@DarrenTurner007) August 16

And for good reason: the Aston Martin development driver for the Valkyrie and the Vantage won the 24 2007 Hours of Le Mans in the GT1 class with this exact example and his teammates Rickard Rydell and David Brabham! “Honestly, it’s a special feeling, he admits. In fact, I had never driven this chassis number 10 since arriving in the rain 14 years ago! »

This moving meeting takes place within the framework of theEndurance Racing Legends, an opening race bringing together Protos and GTs from the 1990s and 2000s.

“I'm not going to shed a tear, but I'm very honored to be here. I am aware that I am experiencing something intense. Normally, with this type of car, it is very rare to drive without any form of pressure. This weekend, however, it is! I ride for the beauty of the gesture. » 

The reunion did not come without a period of adaptation. “When I finished the first qualifying session, I realized that I was hot. I had forgotten to open the small fan facing the cockpit! But after three rounds everything was fine. What a pleasure to find heel-toe steering, a sequential gearbox (Six-speed X-trac. Editor’s note), in short, everything that allows the driver to feel more involved in the cabin,” rejoices the Englishman.

Triple winner in Sarthe (2007, 2008 and 2017), Darren Turner nevertheless holds this first success in his heart. “We finished very close to the Corvettes in 2005 and 2006. Winning in 2007 was an obligation! The battle was exceptional. When I stood on the podium, I saw the crowd filling the entire pit lane and a myriad of Aston Martin flags. It was an important day in the DBR9 program and for the manufacturer,” he recalls.