This weekend, June 15-16, the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 will make its highly anticipated debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The ultra-luxury British sportscar manufacturer aims for its 20th class victory at the world’s most famous endurance race.
A New Chapter in Endurance Racing
The Vantage GT3, which shares its mechanical architecture with the new Vantage road car, will compete in the new-for-2024 LMGT3 category. Built on Aston Martin’s proven bonded aluminium chassis and powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, the Vantage GT3 is poised to make a significant impact.
Two Vantage GT3 cars will represent Aston Martin, fielded by full-time FIA World Endurance Championship [WEC] partner teams: D’station Racing from Japan and the US-based Heart of Racing.
Teams and Drivers
D’station Racing:
- Managed by Tomonobu Fujii, who recently led the team to the Vantage GT3’s first international race win in the SUPER GT GT300 class at Suzuka.
- The team’s lineup includes Aston Martin works driver Marco Sørensen, Le Mans debutant Erwan Bastard, and Team Principal Satoshi Hoshino.
Heart of Racing:
- Known for its strong performance, having finished second in the WEC season-opening Qatar 1812km.
- The team will feature Ian James, single-seater champion Daniel Mancinelli, and IMSA race-winner Alex Riberas.
Historic Ties to Le Mans
Aston Martin’s legacy at Le Mans dates back to its debut in 1928. With multiple class victories in the pre-war era and a glorious overall win in 1959, the marque has a storied history at this prestigious event. In recent years, Aston Martin has continued to dominate, with notable wins in the GT1 and GTE classes.
Looking Forward
As Aston Martin prepares for its return to the top class with the Valkyrie AMR-LMH Hypercar in 2025, this year’s participation in the LMGT3 category is a crucial step. Adam Carter, Head of Endurance Motorsport, emphasized the significance of Le Mans to Aston Martin’s competitive history and the importance of technical excellence and fortitude in achieving success.
Event Details
The 24 Hours of Le Mans, the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, features a 23-car LMGT3 field. The event includes public scrutineering and the Official Test on June 8-9, with practice and qualifying sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. The race will start at 1500 CEST on Saturday, June 15.
Source: Aston Martin Racing (AMR)
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