LMS: Charouz LMP gets Aston Martin power in 2008 - 10.01.2008
Charouz Racing Systems will compete with Aston Martin engines at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours and in the Le Mans Series (LMS). Charouz Racing Systems and the Prodrive-run Aston Martin Racing team are taking advantage of new LMP regulations for 2008, which allow the use of a GT1 engine in a prototype chassis.
The team will use a new closed cockpit Lola chassis for 2008, fitted with the latest specification Aston Martin six litre V12 unit, which was used in the 2007 GT1 class winning DBR9. Aston Martin Racing will work with Lola to repackage the engine and drivetrain for the new chassis, while engineers from Aston Martin Racing will support the car on event.
Aston Martin Racing has contracted Tomas Enge, Stefan Mücke and Jan Charouz for the 2008 season. All three have been placed with Charouz Racing Systems and will race the Michelin-shod Lola/Aston Martin at Le Mans and in the LMS.
More information:
www.prodrive.com, www.astonmartinracing.com, http://racing.charouz.cz
Further information on:
www.bpa.cz, www.racing.charouz.cz, www.tomas-enge.com, www.jan-charouz.cz, www.stefan-muecke.jgsm.de
George Howard-Chappell, team principal for Aston Martin Racing, said: “The V12 unit has already proven that it has the performance and endurance to win at Le Mans. We are now looking forward to the challenge of repackaging it in a new lighter chassis and seeing how competitive it can be in the prototype class. It will be great new experience for me and all the team here at Aston Martin Racing.”
Antonin Charouz, principal of Charouz Racing System, said: “Our cooperation with Prodrive and Aston Martin Racing has been a long and fruitful one. We are very happy that we have found an even closer relationship for the upcoming season. While GT1 engines are based on those from the road car, Aston Martin Racing has proven how competitive they can be as an endurance race engine. I believe the combination of Prodrive’s extensive racing experience, particularly at Le Mans, and the Aston Martin V12 engine’s pedigree, should make for a very competitive package in 2008.”
Tomas Enge: “I am very excited to be driving for Aston Martin Racing again and also to be part this new project where both Prodrive and Charouz Racing System are involved. Our car is a brand new one, so there is a lot of work ahead but I am already looking forward to it. It is a real challenge for me. I always wanted to drive a powerful LMP1 car and am looking forward to a strong fight with our diesel-powered competition.”
Internet: www.tomas-enge.com
Jan Charouz: “It is a great opportunity for me. To drive for a brand like Aston Martin Racing is a big honour for me. Charouz Racing System has already proven it was quick last year during its debut season in the Le Mans Series and even though the car is new, I believe the involvement of Aston Martin Racing and Prodrive will make the team even stronger. I must say that the last Le Mans Series season enchanted me a lot and I am pleased to continue there. I am very happy that I will race in such a good team and with quick team-mates like Tomas Enge and Stefan Mucke I believe we can fight at the front.”
Internet: www.jan-charouz.cz
Stefan Mücke: “I am very happy that I will be part of this unique project! I think that it is a good package of drivers, car and engine and I am confident that we will be able to be successful. Like Jan Charouz, I made my debut in the Le Mans Series only last year and the championship attracted me as well.”
Internet: www.stefan-muecke.jgsm.de
Le Mans Series 2008
Testing – Le Castellet, 2 – 3 March
1000 km Barcelona – 4 – 6 April
1000 km Monza – 25 – 27 April
1000 km Spa – 9 – 11 May
1000 km Nürburging – 15 – 17 August
1000 km Silverstone – 12 – 14 September
One race to be announced
Le Mans 24 Hours – 12 – 14 June
History of LMS
This year marks the fifth season of the Le Mans Series. Despite its “youth”, its prestige is constantly increasing. The main reason is simple: Endurance races of powerful and beautiful sports cars are enjoying unprecedented growth. Just look at last year’s start list – it included some 50 entrants, 26 sports prototypes, and 25 Grand Turismo cars. The competition will be even tougher this year, not least because the Audi Sport team has returned.
Internet: www.lemans-series.com
History of Le Mans 24 Hours
The race on the La Sarthe circuit is considered one of the most difficult and famous in the world, together with the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race and the Monaco F1 Grand Prix. First held in 1923, this motoring marathon is now in its 75th year. It was conceived as a trial of reliability and endurance, with mostly production cars circling the track. Over time, the 24-hour race became a prestigious occasion for the world’s best racers and cars. About a quarter of a million spectators gather at the circuit every June, and it has been broadcast live on TV for years. Besides many firsts, the race also holds a tragic record. Pierre Levegh’s accident in 1955 killed the driver and 85 spectators, while another hundred fans suffered serious injuries. The sheer scale of the tragedy shocked the whole world – Switzerland forbade circuit racing on its territory in response.
The Škoda Charouz Racing System-Lola/Judd Team was the first Czech participant in the top category (LMP1) last year. Upon its premiere, the team was placed 8th overall and 5th in its class. Other significant Czech successes at Le Mans include the achievements of Tomáš Enge and the František Sutnar-Otto Krattner pair. Enge won the GTS category in 2003 and came tenth overall (having the Dutchman Peter Kox and Briton Jamie Davies as team mates for the Ferrari 550 Maranello). He holds the record of five pole positions in the LM GT1 (formerly GTS) class. Sutnar and Krattner, in an Aero Minor, won their 750 ccm category and, based on the index, were placed second overall in the first post-war race, in 1949. The most successful driver in the race’s history, Denmark’s Tom Kristensen, won the marathon seven times. When it comes to constructors, Porsche heads the field with 16 wins.
Internet: www.lemans.org
Attachments:
BPA sport marketing a.s.
Charouz Racing System
Tomas Enge - CV
Jan Charouz - CV
Stefan Mucke - CV
Photo: Lola Cars
Hi-Res photo (3600 x 2400 px) HERE
