Aston Prototype Racer Tests at Prodrive Proving Ground

source: Lola Cars

Aston Martin's LM P1 prototype racer underwent its first round of testing last week at Prodrive's proving ground near Warwick in the UK, prepping for this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. Perhaps better known, the brand's DBR9 racers compete in the GT1 class in the French enduro and battle it out for a class win with the likes of the Chevy Corvette team. Not so for this Lola-chassis with Aston V12 power. The car you see here will go head-to-head with Audi's R10 TDI and Peugeot's 908 HDi V12, not to mention well-seasoned teams like France's Pescarolo squad.

Earlier this week, the ACO, sanctioning body for Le Mans, published a list of entrants for this year's event. Among them: Charouz Racing will campaign two Lola cars, one powered by Aston Martin and the other with a Judd engine. Unfortunately for those headed to Sebring next month, it is unlikely that the Aston Martin prototype will come over for a shakedown against its diesel competition from Audi and Peugeot.

PRESS RELEASE: The Lola Aston-Martin LMP1 Coupe Takes to the Track

The Charouz Lola B08/60 LMP1 Coupe had it's first run on Saturday at Prodrive's proving ground near Warwick. With Jan Charouz carrying out driving duties in the Aston-Martin V12-powered car the purpose of the outing was to carry out system checks.

More testing is taking place in the UK today (Tuesday).