The (Lola) Aston Martin LMP1 is making its first public appearance during the Le Mans Series Official Test. This marks the beginning of AMR’s development program with two cars, the number 007 having already completed a shakedown in England. However, the number 009 is a completely new car and took to the track for the first time this morning, with Darren Turner at the controls. Stefan Mücke started the test session in the sister car. We asked him a few questions about his experiences with the new LMP1.
Stefan, what were your first impressions?
“It’s my very first time in the car and the baseline is pretty good. In fact, the feeling of the car is better than I could have imagined for a first time. But like every first outing with a new car, there are a few details to change. The goal remains to put as many miles on the car as possible.”
What is the objective of this test?
“Complete as many laps as possible to work on the car and start working on a set-up to find the best balance in the new aero configuration. We aren’t worried with laptimes.”
What can you tell us about the Aston Martin LMP1?
“In terms of driving, the car is relatively close to the one we had in 2008. But I would say that this is generally the case for present day LMPs. It’s hard to compare the two cars because the rules have evolved. The handling has evolved a little, but not as much as I would have thought. But in terms of reliability, I’m not worried: under the hood, the car remains similar with the engine/gearbox staying the same.”
What is your goal for the season?
“It’s hard to say, but we clearly want to fight for podium finishes. But we can’t really compare to others today: Audi and Peugeot are not here and the configurations are different. We will know more after the first test session in Barcelona!”
But Aston Martin is officially entered in the Le Mans Series and you remain a favorite for the title…
“Maybe…but it will be difficult. It will be much closer than last year. There are more competitors capable of fighting for the win. And as for us, we have less horsepower than before…but an engine that is still heavier than the others.”
Rainer Ehrhardt and Anthony Megevand