Aston Martin creates new motorsport division
Aston Martin in Gaydon, UK, has created a new division to oversee its new GT racing programme, to be based on a competition derivative of its DB9 model. Aston Martin Racing has engaged British engineering specialist Prodrive in Banbury to take responsibility for the design and development of the new GTS-specification racecar. Aston Martin's product development and motorsport director, Jeremy Main, will oversee the new division
Aston Martin Racing plans to run a number of teams in various sportscar series globally, as well as producing 'customer' versions of the car for privateer use. The DB9 is expected to race for the first time towards the end of 2004.
Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Aston Martin is an exclusive brand, but we can't be exclusive without being visible, and motorsport is a way to raise our profile. Production-based sportscar series are growing in stature, with many leading manufacturers returning with their own factory programmes. By competing with them, we can demonstrate that our cars are not only the best on the road, but also on the race track.
"We are keen to see new regulations for 2004 that will allow true production-based sports cars to compete on a level playing field. The new rules from the Automobile Club de l'Ouest clearly provide this. We hope other sporting organisations will follow their route and encourage sportscar racing to grow in importance and profile."
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