In its last race of 2010, Aston Martin Racing has finished the Autosport 1000km top of the petrol contenders with 009 finishing in fourth place at the hands of Sam Hancock (GB) and Stefan Mücke (DE). Aston Martin has consistently been the fastest petrol car throughout this year.
The 007 car of Harold Primat (CH), Adrian Fernandez (MX) and Andy Meyrick (GB) suffered a multitude of bad luck including a puncture and damage to the clutch after an early spin as the result of contact with another car, but it was a spin into the gravel that ended the Gulf liveried DBR1-2’s final outing.
The 009 car ran faultlessly throughout the race after qualifying in sixth the day before. Juan Barazi unfortunately did not drive due to ill health so Stefan Mücke completed two double stints never leaving the race pace.
Aston Martin Racing Team Principal, George Howard-Chappell said: “An incredibly strong performance, as we have come to expect, from Stefan Mücke today. As a result it was the best we could have achieved today against the diesels. Disappointed to lose the 007 car but that is sometimes how things work out.
“We are sad to see the end of an era with the V12 LMP1 car in our hands – it is a fantastic looking machine with a fabulous sound and has always been a crowd favourite, but we look forward to coming back with our exciting programme next year.”
Primat said: “We had problems in practice and qualifying which meant we started from the back. In the race Andy and Adrian produced good stints but a problem with the clutch lost us four minutes. Andy did a good job to get the car back into the top ten before I took over and fought up into seventh. But then I got a left-front puncture and had to come in. The car was very pointy after that, because of the difference in grip between the tyres, and I spun at the final corner. But I couldn’t restart the car and that was that. It was a shame because even though it was fairly pointy, I could still do a 1m47.9s, which was 007’s fastest lap of the race.
“Silverstone was the last race for the current LMP1 coupe and, after two seasons spent behind the wheel – during which I scored several podiums – I’m proud to be a part of Aston Martin’s sportscar return, especially as the entire team has worked so hard to make it the fastest of the petrol cars. Last but not least, I would like to thank not only my sponsors, but also all the team’s partners for their ongoing support over the last two seasons. I am sure that through our various activities they have seen a good return in their marketing investment.”
Fernandez said: “I wasn’t at my best this weekend after suffering from a virus which hasn’t helped. This is a new track for me and qualifying didn’t go well causing us to start from the back. This year has been good, and I am happy with my performance – I’ve had great team partners in Stefan and Harold and we can build from here.”
Meyrick said: “It’s been a very enjoyable experience being here with Aston Martin Racing but obviously the result is a disappointment for everyone on the team. Fourth place for 009 has lifted the spirits of the guys and, without any mishaps to the diesels, that’s likely to be the best any of the petrol-engined cars can do. They narrowly missed out on a podium but the result is good for them.”