Aston Martin Racing prevails in 88th Le Mans, secures WEC crown

MANILA: Aston Martin took the checkered flag last Sunday in the 88^th edition of the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The British marque, which won the world-renowned event in 2017, was able to record its outstanding result at the Circuit de la Sarthe as it succeeded both GT classes and with three crews that stood on the podium.

Because of this result, Aston Martin was able to earn sufficient points to win the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) World Endurance Championship (WEC) manufacturers’ title, with one round left.

Works drivers Maxime Martin (BEL) and Alex Lynn (GB) and former Le Mans class champion Harry Tincknell (GB) took the most prestigious win in endurance racing after an impeccable success in the # 97 Vantage GTE and a nail-biting and exciting 24-hour match with the works team Ferraris.

Lynn, who was able to establish the fastest lap of the GTE classes at 03.10 last September 20 said, “I won’t lie, that was emotional… I had a few tears on the last lap. I have driven this exact car for the last three years and so much hard work and sweat has gone into it. It honestly feels incredible.”

The Vantage GTE of TF Sport took class-winning honors in GTE Am, along with Charlie Eastwood (GB) and works driver Jonny Adam (GB). They were joined by teammate Salih Yoluc (TUR), and with it, the lead of the WEC GTE Am drivers’ title entering the season finale at Bahrain International Circuit. The British group is the first privateer team to succeed in the Le Mans with the Vantage GTE.

Marco Sorensen (DEN) and Nicki Thiim (DEN) were joined by Richard Westbrook (GB) this weekend and they will also compete for the WEC Pro Class drivers’ title since they are currently ahead of teammates Martin and Lyca by merely 15 points after finishing third in the GTE Pro Class.

In the GTE Am class, long-standing Aston Martin Racing driver Paul Dalla Lana (CAN), who had high expectations for his eighth Le Mans, went through a major letdown.

Exceptional pace from the Canadian and his teammates, works driver Ross Gunn (GB) and Augusto Farfus (BR), proved futile after a prolonged pit stop ceased their race-leading charge.

The trio of podiums at the double-point-scoring event was sufficient for Aston Martin to bring home the WEC manufacturers' crown for the first time. The British brand crossed the line 97 points ahead of Ferrari and 76 points ahead of Porsche.

The 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans GT winners finished 346 laps of the 13.8-km track. While Lynn was able to set the fastest lap time of the GTE contenders (3:50.321) Thiim took the racing track for 10:02.35 of the 24-hour race, which is greater compared to any Aston Martin Racing driver.

Aston Martin CEO, Tobias Moers remarked, “I am extremely proud of everyone who has played a part in this momentous victory today. To win both GTE classes and the WEC manufacturers' title is testimony to the quality of both the team, the Vantage GTE and the Vantage road car that is the basis of the race car.”

Photos from Aston Martin

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