Aston Martin Preparing LMP1 Race Car for 2011 Le Mans

Aston Martin is one of the automotive producers that knows how it feels to get to the top of the podium at the Le Mans 24 Hour race, but in recent years the British company hasn’t even played in the top LMP1 league, as it raced only in the GT category.

However, all that is about to change, as the automaker announced that it is currently developing a new LMP1 race car that will be entered in the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hour race. The carmaker is now offering us a sketch of the upcoming vehicle

The company’s engineers have started from the ground up. The racer will use an open cockpit monocoque chassis and a nee purpose-designed motorsport powerplant. As you would’ve expected, the vehicle’s engine will run on petrol.

“In recent years, it has been impossible for petrol cars to compete on equal terms with the diesels. However, we now have assurances from the ACO that, with the adoption of the 2011 regulations, they will properly balance the performance of these new cars. Under these circumstances we have been prepared to develop Aston Martin’s first purpose-built racing chassis and engine for more than 50 years,” said Aston Martin Chairman, David Richards.

The carmaker’s engineers have started working on the car several months ago at Aston Martin Racing’s headquarters in Banbury, UK and the first of a limited number of six vehicles will be functional in early 2011.

“Aston Martin’s first and only outright victory at Le Mans was in 1959 with the DBR1 of Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby. Aston Martin Racing has been at the pinnacle of endurance racing since it was founded in 2004 with multiple factory and customer wins across the globe including two GT1 class victories at Le Mans in 2007 and 2008, and an overall Le Mans series win in 2009,” stated the press release.