Aston Martin Shuffles GTE-Pro Lineup; Adam, Turner Out

Aston Martin Racing has adjusted its driver lineup for the remaining FIA World Endurance Championship rounds in 2018.

Jonny Adam (pictured) and Darren Turner will not be a part of the British manufacturer’s GTE-Pro roster for the upcoming races at Silverstone, Fuji and Shanghai as AMR slims its crew composition from three drivers to two.

Nicki Thiim and Marco Sorensen will share the No. 95 Aston Martin Vantage GTE, while Alex Lynn and Maxime Martin are set to drive the No. 97 sister car.

The move is intended to give Aston Martin’s remaining GTE-Pro drivers more individual track time with the new-for-2018 package.

AMR has assured that both Adam and Turner will continue to serve roles within the organization, although the decision means Turner will lose his status as one of three WEC drivers to have contested every race to date.

Adam will switch to driving TF Sport’s old-generation No. 90 Aston Martin Vantage in the GTE-Am category, sharing duties with Charlie Eastwood and Salih Yoluc.

Turner, meanwhile, has extended his 14-year association with the marque by signing a new long-term contract.

The three-time Le Mans class winner will move into a “more senior role” involving development work on the company’s road and race programs, but will rejoin Lynn and Martin for the 2019 ‘Super Season’ races at Sebring, Spa and Le Mans.

“As we move into the second phase of the Super Season, it is critical we maximise our opportunities through the three shortest races on the calendar,” said AMR team principal Paul Howarth.

“By switching to two-driver crews we achieve this. Nicki and Marco have a long-standing partnership, while Maxime and Alex have settled into the team well.

“Jonny remains a vital part of our line-up and we are pleased he will race in the TF Sport entry, which keeps him race-sharp at world level.

“I am also delighted that Darren continues to play a major role. He proved he’s lost none of his speed with an exceptional performance at Le Mans, and his experience and wisdom is invaluable as we continue to develop our still young Vantage GTE programme.”

Aston Martin Racing Managing Director John Gaw added that the Vantage would be quicker at its home race next month than it was at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it struggled for pace.

“We expect to see additional performance from the Aston Martin Vantage GTE at Silverstone, after a period of analysis and development post-Le Mans,” said Gaw.

“These adjustments to the lineup compliment this process and give us the best chance to achieve maximum points in the shorter races.

“There are no weak links in our driver line-up and I am proud of all of them.”