Aston Martin Gears up for Nürburgring 24 Hours with V12 Vantage GT3
Once again, Aston Martin is preparing for the thrilling spectacle of the ADAC Zurich Nürburgring 24 Hours. But this time, there's something different in the air. This is not just another race for the British automaker; it marks the seventh year of consecutive participation and an upswing in its ambitions. Indeed, this year, the spotlight is on a pair of V12-powered Vantage GT3s, indicating a shift from their traditional reliance on near-production cars. And if the whispers of the wind are any indication, the stakes are higher than ever.
Pushing the Limits
In what could be seen as a bold maneuver, Aston Martin is swapping out its usual strategy for a more aggressive one. Four official entries have been announced, including two V12 Vantage GT3s, which are set to compete in the race's senior SP9 category for FIA-homologated GT3 cars. This is the first time Aston Martin is stepping into these higher and more challenging ranks. These powerhouses will be managed in collaboration with the long-standing partner team, Young Driver AMR.
Legendary Hands on the Wheel
The first Vantage GT3, sporting the iconic #007 designation, is ready to roar under the expert hands of Johannes and Ferdinand Stuck, sons of the triple Nürburgring 24 Hour winner Hans-Joachim Stuck, as well as Dennis Rostek and Aston Martin Racing factory driver Darren Turner. Turner’s regular comrade, Stefan Mücke, will helm the #006 car with Tomas Enge, Fredy Barth, and Oliver Mathai. A total of eight Vantage racers will take on the monstrous 25km circuit, and one can only wonder what will unfold.
The Beauty of Continuity
Among the four official entries, the V12 Zagato concept car is returning to the battlefield after making its Nürburgring 24 Hour debut in 2011. Aston Martin's engineering team, led by Chief Executive Dr. Ulrich Bez and Chief Engineer Chris Porritt, will be behind the wheel, indicating the strong link between the company's design and racing ventures. This continuity, while unassuming, is the silent force propelling Aston Martin towards success.
The Inescapable Excitement
David King, Aston Martin’s Head of Motorsport, encapsulates the situation aptly: “The Nürburgring 24 Hour race is the most important 24-hour race in the world for GT cars. It is a hugely important step for us to be challenging in the SP9 class, with a top-class partner team and a fine driver lineup.” The V12 Vantage GT3, sharing the same chassis and base engine with the V12 Vantage road car, represents a direct bridge between the automaker's consumer and racing models, a connection that fans will undoubtedly relish.
A Leap into the Unknown?
Though Aston Martin's ambitions are high, one might question the rationale behind the company's sudden thrust into more competitive categories. The move signals a clear shift in strategy, which is at odds with the brand's previous success in more production-relevant races. John Gaw, Aston Martin Racing Team Principal, describes 2012 as a "development season" for the new V12 Vantage GT3, indicating that the company sees its efforts as part of a longer-term plan to challenge for race victory at the Nürburgring in future years.
Chasing Shadows on the Tarmac
As the cars line up on the starting grid and the drivers anticipate the flag, the question lingers: Will this new direction pay off for Aston Martin? Will the boldness of the V12 Vantage GT3s command respect on the track? As Young Driver AMR Team Principal, Hardy Fischer, acknowledges, the unique racing conditions will be a challenge to navigate. But one thing is certain: Aston Martin is ready for whatever the Nürburgring has in store.
