Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Clinches First Victory in Japan's AUTOBACS SUPER GT Series, Four Months Post-Launch
Four months after its global debut at Silverstone, the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 secured its first international victory, dominating the GT300 Class in Japan's prestigious AUTOBACS SUPER GT Series. This victory not only highlighted the British ultra-luxury brand's prowess but also marked its inaugural triumph in the series.
D’station Racing, a Japanese team representing Aston Martin in the FIA World Endurance Championship, along with drivers Tomonobu Fujii (JPN) and Charlie Fagg (GBR), achieved a clean sweep in the 3-Hour race at Suzuka. They captured both the class pole position and the victory, with Fujii setting the fastest race lap on his way to his first SUPER GT win since 2016.
The #777 D’station Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3 finished a commanding 38 seconds ahead of its nearest competitor, showcasing an outstanding performance by the team.
In a remarkable weekend for the new Vantage GT3, Aston Martin’s other WEC partner, the US-based Heart of Racing, also achieved its season-best result by finishing third in the GTD Pro class at Detroit's IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Aston Martin works driver Ross Gunn (GBR) and GTD Pro class winner Alex Riberas (ESP) raced from sixth to secure the Vantage GT3’s first podium in the 100-minute sprint event on Detroit’s challenging street circuit.
Adam Carter, Aston Martin's Head of Endurance Motorsport, celebrated the vehicle's capabilities. "The new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 has proven it can dominate GT-based endurance racing," Carter remarked. He noted the significance of the Japanese victory, praising D'station Racing’s dedication since their partnership began in 2019. Carter also commended Heart of Racing’s podium finish in Detroit, a testament to the team’s expertise and determination. These successes boost morale as preparations for the 24 Hours of Le Mans ramp up.
Since partnering with Aston Martin in 2019, D'station Racing has made significant strides, including giving Aston Martin its SUPER GT debut with the previous generation Vantage GT3 and winning the Super Taikyu crown in 2021—the first Japanese domestic title for Aston Martin.
25 Aston Martin Vantage GT3s compete globally in over ten significant GT series, including the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. This number is expected to rise to at least 35 by the end of the season.
Launched in February, the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 is engineered with a bonded aluminium chassis and a powerful twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine. This latest iteration sets a new standard in the world of GT racing, featuring advanced aerodynamics, revised suspension, and cutting-edge electronics.
