Aston Martin Guns for Audi and Peugeot with New Le Mans Prototype

source: Aston Martin, photos: Aston Martin and Lola Cars

Last June, I was in the back of an Audi A8 that snarled at foot traffic. It sat stranded, trying to make its way to the exit of the Circuit de La Sarthe as throngs of fans moved toward the grandstands for the post-race party - one of many traditions at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I sat back and popped on my ear buds, listening to the post-race commentary on Radio Le Mans. David Richards of Aston Martin was being interviewed, and the chaps at Radio LM asked him if he was happy that Aston had finally wrestled GT1 class victory from the Corvette team. Richards exclaimed, "Sure, but I won't be truly happy until we score an outright win here."

In order to do that, now privately-owned Aston has to field a more expensive LMP1 entrant and knock off current heavyweights Audi and Peugeot, not to mention veteran teams like Pescarolo. Nevertheless, that's exactly what Aston intends to do this year according to an announcement from the company released earlier today.

In addition to the company's new GT2 DB9 and its GT1-contesting, Gulf-liveried DBR9, Aston says they'll fit their class-winning V12 from the DBR9 into Lola's new B08/60 LMP1 Coupe chassis and go for the gold in 2008. So much for independence forcing a lesser Le Mans presence by Aston Martin.

More info plus pics of the Lola coupe and the Aston V12 after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE: Aston Martin Power LMP1 in 2008 Aston Martin Racing will provide engines for the Charouz Racing Systems LMP1 entry at this year's Le Mans 24 Hours and in the Le Mans Series (LMS). Aston Martin Racing and Charouz Racing Systems are taking advantage of new LMP regulations for 2008, which allow the use of a GT1 engine in a prototype chassis. The team will use a new closed cockpit Lola chassis for 2008, fitted with the latest specification Aston Martin six litre V12 unit, which was used in the 2007 GT1 class winning DBR9. Aston Martin Racing will work with Lola to repackage the engine and drivetrain for the new chassis, while engineers from Aston Martin Racing will support the car on event.

Aston Martin Racing has contracted Tomas Enge, Stefan Mucke and Jan Charouz for the 2008 season. All three have been placed with Charouz Racing Systems and will race the Michelin-shod Lola/Aston Martin at Le Mans and in the LMS. George Howard-Chappell, team principal for Aston Martin Racing, said: "The V12 unit has already proven that it has the performance and endurance to win at Le Mans. We are now looking forward to the challenge of repackaging it in a new lighter chassis and seeing how competitive it can be in the prototype class. It will be great new experience for me and all the team here at Aston Martin Racing."