Aston Martin Racing and the Hôtel de France share a great common history. Indeed, in the 1950s and '60s, Aston Martin used the hotel as a base when the team went to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This "association" began in 1952 under the leadership of John Wyer. At the time, Aston Martin Racing's team manager had discovered the hotel and decided to use it as headquarters for his troops. All of which made the inhabitants of the quaint little town very happy to see file by British cars every year. The culminating point of this agreement was the win for the Aston Martin DBR1 of Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori in 1959. David Richards, Aston Martin Racing owner: "The Hôtel de France is an important part of Aston Martin's heritage as it served as base camp for the team for many years in the late '50s, including 1959 when the outfit won at 24 Hours of Le Mans."

To commemorate this tradition, the current Aston Martin Racing team decided to send three Aston Martin V8 Vantages, the ones that will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a few days, to Chartre-sur-le-Loir. They were entrusted to Darren Turner, Richie Stanaway and Mathias Lauda.

David Richards: "This year, we want to recreate the nostalgia of that bygone era when race cars were given their final touches next to the Hôtel before being driven about 40 kilometers on the open road to the circuit." 

Martin Overington, owner of the hotel who bought and refurbished it last year: "It's one of biggest events that has ever taken place at the hotel. It's history repeating itself and we are thrilled to welcome the race cars, their drivers and of course, David Richards, the owner of Aston Martin Racing."

Remember, five Aston Martin V8 Vantages are entered in this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 13-14), three in LM GTE Pro and two in LM GTE Am. 

David Bristol / ACO - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO

Photo: LA CHARTRE-SUR-LE-LOIR (SARTHE, FRANCE), HOTEL DE FRANCE, TUESDAY JUNE 2 2015. Three Aston Martin V8 Vantages make the trek towards Chartre-sur-le-Loir.