Aston Martin set for Le Mans challenge

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2003

LONDON (AFP) — Aston Martin will return to the world's motor racing circuits in 2004 following the creation of a new division to be known as Aston Martin Racing.

The 89-year-old car makers, who supplied James Bond with his DB5s, return to their old niche of production-based world sports car racing - in which they won both the World Sportscar Championship title and Le Mans 24 Hours in 1959.

Aston Martin's new DB9 model will form the basis of this new challenge from 2004.

"Aston Martin is an exclusive brand, but we cannot be exclusive without being visible and motor sport is a way to heighten our profile," Aston Martin chief executive Ulrich Bez said.

"Production-based sports car series are growing in stature with many leading manufacturers returning...