Aston Martin has revealed a Gulf Oil liveried racing car so slick that the company reckons it will take overall honours at the 2011 Le Mans 24-hour race.
The British manufacturer is no stranger to taking prizes away from the legendary race, having won the GT class in 2007 and 2008.
But thanks to rule changes for the 2011 event, which aim to put diesel and petrol powered LMP class racers on an even keel, Aston finally thinks it can take the overall crown.
The Aston LMP1 has been designed from the ground up on a brand new chassis and with a bespoke racing engine. No technical information has been released as yet, but it's the first purpose built racing chassis Aston has made for half a century.
Despite its confidence, Aston is still calling the 2011 race a 'David & Goliath' battle because of 'the massive resources of our competitors.' (If the worst begins to unfold, Aston could always catapult a couple of stones into the Audi pit garage.)
The first LMP1 prototype will run early next year, and a total of six will be made. Aston Martin has reiterated its commitment to the GT class cars too.
Mark Nichol - 17 Sep 2010