Photo : D.R. - ASTON MARTIN RACING

Aston Martin will return to Le Mans in 2011 with a new LMP1 car designed from the ground up with an open cockpit monocoque chassis and an all new purpose-designed race engine. As with all Aston Martins, the new LMP1 will be petrol powered and designed to make the best use of the ACO's stringent regulations.

      Chairman David Richards said: "Having won the GT category twice at Le Mans in 2007 and 2008 and the Le Mans Series outright in 2009 we still want to achieve our ultimate goal of winning the 24 hour race overall."

     "We now have assurances from the ACO that with the new 2011 regulations the performance between diesel and petrol engined cars will be better balanced, but even with the new car it will be a massive challenge against the resources of our main competitors"

      Work on the new chassis and engine has been progressing for several months at Aston Martin's HQ at Banbury and the first of a limited number of 6 cars will run in early 2011. The car is likely to make its debut at the ILMC  race at Sebring.

      Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin said: "Racing is a fundamental part of Aston Martin's heritage and Le Mans is the race that every sports car manufacturer wants to win. While every aspect of this new LMP1 car has been built purely for racing, we also remain committed to developing race-winning GT cars based on our road cars. We are the only manufacturer to offer a race car for every category from GT1 to GT4."

     Adrian Fernandez, who joined Aston Martin Racing team this year: "This architecture suits me perfectly, it is this type of setup that I prefer. We have more visibility, control, and one need not worry about the doors for driver changes, too. I am very proud to be associated with the long history of Aston Martin ... And from my days as a team owner in the ALMS, I no longer have to take all decisions ! In addition, the Endurance racing calendar allows me to spend more time with my family, which is very important to me. "