The three Aston Martin Vantage N24s entered in the 35th ADAC Nϋrburgring 24-hour race have successfully come through the first quarter of their endurance test in Germany as the Phoenix Racing/Aston Martin Austria DBRS9 continues to chase the top of the race order.
As darkness engulfed the Nϋrburgring, Aston Martin’s number nine Vantage N24 is firmly established in the middle of the SP8 class in 5th position, holding 31st overall. The Herreman Racing Vantage N24 is also making steady progress, up to 10th in class.
As the six-hour mark approached, the Aston Martin team were forced to bring the number 8 Vantage N24 in for an unscheduled stop to change a throttle pedal – thought to have been inadvertently damaged when in-car cameras were fitted to the car. This saw the car drop temporarily in race standing and it now holds 9th in class.
The Phoenix Racing/Aston Martin Austria DBRS9 occupied 4th position overall (2nd in class) at the six hour mark and continues to press both class and race leaders, gradually closing on 3rd position overall.
Upon completing his first stint in the number 8 Vantage N24, Aston Martin Chief Executive Dr Ulrich Bez said: “Last year was a great achievement but this year the objective remains the same: we want to finish - of that I’m very clear.
“We want to show that our cars are durable and that you don’t need to be a professional driver to go racing - it can be accessible for more people. We came here with one car last year, this year there are four Aston Martins. Next year I hope there will be even more.”
In the number 9 Vantage N24, Stephane Lemeret - making his debut at the Nϋrburgring - completed his first stint in the N24. On exiting the car at dusk he said: “It is my first time at the Nϋrburgring 24-hour race so I was a bit stressed! I tried to get into a good rhythm and not take risks.
“You have to respect this circuit – it is so big and very quick in places, and although it is very difficult – I can’t wait to get back out there.”