Aston Martin Vantage GT3 To Make FIA WEC Debut In Qatar, Leading GT Racing Into A New Era

Aston Martin embarks on a thrilling new journey in its prestigious racing saga this weekend, as the Vantage GT3 debuts in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the Qatar 1812 KM, held at the Lusail International Circuit. This momentous event marks the first time the FIA WEC has included FIA homologated GT3 cars in its series, under the newly established LMGT3 category.

The introduction of the LMGT3 class sees Aston Martin pitted against eight other renowned sportscar manufacturers in a global competition that spans four continents. The Vantage GT3, a descendant of multiple world championship-winning cars, is set to compete in some of the most iconic endurance races, including six-hour races at Spa-Francorchamps and Fuji, and the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Constructed around Aston Martin's bonded aluminium chassis and equipped with a powerful twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, the Vantage GT3 features an entirely new aerodynamic design, improved suspension, and advanced electronics. These enhancements position the Vantage GT3 as a formidable contender in the world of GT racing.

D'station Racing and Heart of Racing, Aston Martin's partner teams, aim to extend the Vantage's impressive legacy of 11 World Championship titles in the LMGT3 category. This year, D'station Racing introduces a significantly revised lineup, with Tomonobu Fujii stepping back to focus on his role as Managing Director and Team Principal, and Marco Sørensen leading the team alongside Erwan Bastard, with Clément Mateu joining for all races except Le Mans.

Heart of Racing, participating in its first full WEC season, retains its successful lineup from 2023, featuring Ian James, Daniel Mancinelli, and Alex Riberas. The team made an impressive showing at the Rolex 24 at Daytona earlier this year, where the Vantage GT3 made its competitive debut.

With a history of representation in every WEC season since its inception in 2012, Aston Martin is determined to continue its pursuit of glory as the 2024 season kicks off in Qatar. Following the Qatar race, the WEC will move to Europe for races at Imola and Spa-Francorchamps, leading up to the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 15-16. The season's second half will feature races across three continents, concluding with the 8 Hours of Bahrain on November 2.

Adam Carter, Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport, expressed enthusiasm for the Vantage GT3's debut, highlighting the car's development from its successful predecessors. As the team prepares for the ultimate test against the world's top GT manufacturers, Carter shared his confidence in the Vantage GT3's potential and the team's readiness for the challenges ahead.

Official practice for the Qatar 1812KM begins on Thursday, February 29, at 12:20 local time, with the race set to start on Saturday at 11:00. Fans can follow the event through the official WEC website and app, as Aston Martin takes on this exciting new chapter in its racing history.