Why don't Aston Martin run LMS?

[johntt]

Referring to the Prodrive Astons, why don't we see them running Sebring, Petit and the LMS? Would make sense to get some miles ont he cars in race conditions. Is it a matter of cost or driver/parts availability?

[cmk]

It's always the almighty dollar (pound). I mean, isn't limited parts/driver availability really a knock-on effect of limited funds anyway?

[Tom87]

I can't imagine they would worry about cost if it made marketing sense to continue. Plus the DBR9 was always going to develop into a customer project just like the 550 before it. I did expect perhaps a couple more seasons from them.

I guess if they are able to win or at least compete at La Sarthe where it matters then why spend the money racing elsewhere?

[JAG]

The GT1 program is winding down, lots of AMR staff are running the Lola, which will likely expand in coming seasons.

[johntt]

Originally Posted by JAG

The GT1 program is winding down, lots of AMR staff are running the Lola, which will likely expand in coming seasons.

Makes sense, expecially give the rule changes and the possibility of a single GT class in 2010.

[kingkai]

GT1 program is sadly done for them at the moment. They have the car, so entering 24h LM is a option to win. But the current GT1 state will end soon (sadly again).
ALMS was to expensive for them as they are trying a GT2 V8, DBRS-9 for the 24h of Nordschleife and the engine for the LMP1 program.
They want to compete in every categorie leaving the GT1 as it is...
Wished they done ALMS instead of the 24h Nordschleife race.
But then again, they need to sort out the GT2 car en P1 engine...

I thought I heard on RadioLM that one of AMR said they would enter their own GT2 in ... (nose of the race at Spa I don't know if they said LM, LMS or FiaGT) if customers don't.

(wouldn't it be great if they run a LMP1, 2 GT1's and 2 GT2's in LMS or LM in 2009 )

[Tom87]

Well you can't have works GT2's so more likely they'd persuade an established GT2 team to develop/run the car.

[KA]

Originally Posted by Tom87

Well you can't have works GT2's so more likely they'd persuade an established GT2 team to develop/run the car.

Think it was the Spa 24hours they were referring to, if I remember the comment reported on DSC.

If Ratel won't wear a factory GT2 entry at Spa, then I think you might be right about the car being run by an established team.......probably with help from a lot of Prodrive/Aston guys, who just happen to be at Spa to lend a hand on their weekend off, as you do

[airbusA346]

Originally Posted by KA

Think it was the Spa 24hours they were referring to, if I remember the comment reported on DSC.

If Ratel won't wear a factory GT2 entry at Spa, then I think you might be right about the car being run by an established team.......probably with help from a lot of Prodrive/Aston guys, who just happen to be at Spa to lend a hand on their weekend off, as you do

Well seen as Gigawave were meant to be running a V8 Vantage in GT2 in 2008, but pulled out.

Why did they pull out?

And does anybody know anything about when JWA will be running their V8 Vantage?

Tom.

[minimangler]

Porsche did it in 06, they just pretended to be Manthey, and ran in G2.

Manthey, aka Porsche AG.

[The Badger]

Originally Posted by minimangler

Porsche did it in 06, they just pretended to be Manthey, and ran in G2.

Manthey, aka Porsche AG.

And Champion Racing .....996 GT3 R

[minimangler]

Originally Posted by The Badger

And Champion Racing .....996 GT3 R

That year they were Champion AND Manthey. One of each

[Speed-King]

Originally Posted by kingkai

ALMS was to expensive for them as they are trying a GT2 V8, DBRS-9 for the 24h of Nordschleife and the engine for the LMP1 program.
They want to compete in every categorie leaving the GT1 as it is...
Wished they done ALMS instead of the 24h Nordschleife race.
But then again, they need to sort out the GT2 car en P1 engine...

24hrs at the 'Ring is founded by the/some Austrian Aston Dealerships. So that probably didn't take away money from a potential ALMS effort.

[The Badger]

Originally Posted by minimangler

That year they were Champion AND Manthey. One of each

Yes , I know , but you didnt say that in your previous post . I was trying to be helpful .

[rich07]

Originally Posted by KA

Think it was the Spa 24hours they were referring to, if I remember the comment reported on DSC.

If Ratel won't wear a factory GT2 entry at Spa, then I think you might be right about the car being run by an established team.......probably with help from a lot of Prodrive/Aston guys, who just happen to be at Spa to lend a hand on their weekend off, as you do

I hope that happens!!! We might just see the full potential of this car.

[dj4monie]

Originally Posted by minimangler

Porsche did it in 06, they just pretended to be Manthey, and ran in G2.

Manthey, aka Porsche AG.

Of course, there is "Works" team in the paddock, they just hide very well, at least from Ratel.

Manthey knows Porsches, however that doesn't mean a Porsche engineer wasn't with them in the paddock...

AF Corse cars have known Ferrari test pilots aboard their car(s), so I wish somebody would explain to me what constitutes a "works or "factory" effort?

Nobody said you had to be obvious about it -