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| Aston Martin returns to the Paul Ricard circuit |
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| Thursday, 17 April 2008 | |
 The circuit deserves a mention in itself. Built by the famous apéritif baron not far from Toulon on the Côte d’Azur, it hosted Grand Prix races from the 1970s until the 90s. A few years after Ricard’s death a consortium headed by Formula One guru Bernie Ecclestone bought the site, transforming it into a high-tech test track not open to the general public. The grandstands were removed, the track enlarged, and the gravel-filled runoff areas replaced with specially formulated asphalt of varying grades which allow the cars to run wide or spin off, in most cases suffering no damage worse than requiring a change of tyres. These areas are painted in blue and red according to how abrasive they are, which lends a rather surreal hue to the place. Despite this psychedelic backdrop and the circuit creator’s profession, not a drop of alcohol is served within this inner sanctum of motor-racing: it is intended for serious business only…  The line-up of machinery during Aston Martin’s two days was impressive. Present was the 2007 Le Mans winning DBR9 009 along with its aptly numbered sister car 007, both resplendent in their new blue and orange Gulf livery. One example of the LP1 prototype class had been retained from the preceding weekend due to being powered by an Aston Martin engine, the Team Charouz Lola, distinguished by its sinister looks and phenomenal speed. A number of other DBR9s were there, as well as the Hexis Racing DBR9S which put up some promising lap times. These were joined by a gaggle of privately owned limited-edition N24s based on the roadgoing V8 Vantage, and the V12 Vantage RS concept car, fresh from its début at the Geneva motor show. Some famous names were around, naturally. Both Dr Ulrich Bez and David Richards, CEO and Chairman of Aston Martin respectively, were seen watching their creations with evident pride. Ex-F1 star Heinz-Harald Frenzen, three times a Grand Prix winner, emerged from semi-retirement to try one of the factory DBR9s, to his obvious delight. Of course there was the unmistakeable, quintessentially English presence of Hugh Chamberlain, a sportscar-racing legend in his own right, and holder of a special record at Le Mans. “Some people have driven at Le Mans thirty times or so, off and on,” he said. “But no individual has fielded a team there year after year without a break as long as myself. How long? 23 or 24 years – I’ve given up counting.” A colourful and charismatic man, Hugh could seem off-putting to some with his forthright manner. Yet after completion of testing his own Chamberlain / Synergy Racing Lola LP2 he was full of gentle praise for his team and the drivers. He stayed on for the Aston Martin session in his capacity as team manager for Dordogne-based Ecurie Bagatelle with their N24 V8 Vantage and also Scottish driver Tom Black’s similar car, both due to compete in this year’s FIA European GT4 championship.  |
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