Aston Martin Ignites the Nürburgring with the Debut of New Vantage GT3 at the ADAC Ravenol 24H Race
This weekend, Aston Martin, a brand deeply rooted in motorsport history, rekindles its legacy at the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife. The event is significant as the all-new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 debits in the exhilarating ADAC Ravenol 24H Nürburgring race.
The prestigious British sportscar manufacturer, renowned for its luxury and performance, continues a 60-year winning streak at the Nürburgring. Racing legends Tony Brooks, Sir Stirling Moss, and Sir Jack Brabham propelled Aston Martin to three consecutive 1000km victories in the late 1950s. Notably, the brand clinched the World Sports Car championship in 1959, the same year it triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans is set for June 15-16 in France next month.
Since its triumphant return to sportscar racing in the mid-2000s, Aston Martin has consistently demonstrated its racing prowess at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Both factory teams and trusted partner teams have contributed to this success. Over the years, the Vantage has secured an impressive tally of 10 class wins and more than 25 podium finishes, a testament to Aston Martin's enduring legacy at the Nürburgring.
This month, the ultra-luxury sportscar brand targets victories at the Nürburgring and the prestigious CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. June marks a packed schedule with three of the most celebrated endurance races. Each event will highlight the performance of the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3.
In 2022, the Vantage led the Nürburgring 24 Hours deep into the night. This year, in partnership with the highly successful Walkenhorst Motorsport team, Aston Martin aims to clinch its first outright victory at this event. Walkenhorst Motorsport, victorious in the 2018 24 Hours of Spa and the 2023 Asian Le Mans Series, will enter three Vantage GT3s across different classes.
The #34 SP9 PRO Vantage GT3, a formidable contender, will be piloted by a stellar lineup of drivers. Reigning Nürburgring 24 Hours champion David Pittard and two-time FIA World Endurance GT champion Nicki Thiim lead the team, with driving talents Christian Krognes and Kuba Giermaziak adding their skills to the mix. Pittard, expressing his confidence in the new Vantage, highlights its strong performance and the challenging, unpredictable nature of the Nürburgring, setting the stage for an exciting race.
PROsport Racing has entered a previous generation Vantage GT3 and two Vantage GT4s, with Dörr Motorsport also participating with its Vantage GT4, continuing their successful track record in the series.
Adam Carter, Head of Aston Martin Endurance Motorsport, emphasises the significance of Nürburgring 24 Hours and its daunting challenge. He praises the competitive edge of the new Vantage GT3 and the expertise of their partnering teams, Walkenhorst Motorsport, Dörr Motorsport, and PROsport Racing, as key to achieving success.
Since its 2006 Nürburgring debut, Aston Martin has achieved numerous class victories, including a standout performance by the V12 Vantage GT3 in 2018. The marque continues to compete with its latest Vantage GT3, a direct descendant of championship-winning predecessors, built on a proven aluminium chassis and powered by a formidable twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine.
Qualifying for the ADAC Ravenol 24H Nürburgring kicks off on Thursday, May 30, with the race starting on Saturday, June 1. Follow the event's details via the official series websites and apps.
