Aston Martin is preparing two Zagato V12s to compete in one of the toughest races in the world this weekend, the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
The company is keen to prove that the car isn't just a pretty face following its win at the Concorso D'Eleganza at Villa D'Este in May this year and there is no better - or more challenging - way to do so than by entering it into the 24 hour, 2,485-mile (4,000km) race.
Aston's red show car - given the number '3' and the nickname 'Zag' - will be joined by a green Zagato, 'Zig.' Both will be driven by a mixture of senior Aston Martin staff, experienced racing drivers and motoring journalists.
The Aston Martin entry is the sixth successive time that the carmaker has completed a new product test under public scrutiny at the Nürburgring, but to test a prototype in this way is a considerable risk. However, if successful, it will be a stunning demonstration of the Aston Martin's reliability.
An estimated 200,000 spectators will watch the race, which starts on Saturday at 3pm UK time, all of whom will be keen to see which of the 200+ entries will triumph.
This year's grid will feature two Lexus LFAs, three VW Golf24s and a bevy of Porsche 911 GT3s alongside the Audi R8 LMS, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, Ferrari 458 Italia GT and BMW M3 GT.
It's not just a race for the big-budget teams though; private entries abound in cars such as the BMW Z4 GT3 and 330i M, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Volkswagen Scirocco - and a lone Peugeot 206 RC.
Live commentary of the 39th ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hour race will be broadcast via Radio Le Mans (
www.radiolemans.com).
Carlton Boyce - 24 Jun 2011