Turner Agrees to New Long-Term Deal with Aston Martin

Photo: Aston Martin Racing

Despite having reportedly received interest from Ford, Darren Turner will remain an Aston Martin Racing factory driver for the foreseeable future, having signed a three-year extension with the British manufacturer.

Additionally, the 41-year-old Englishman will see his role expand as a development driver and ambassador for Aston Martin Lagonda in the company’s sports car business.

“Within my time at Aston Martin Racing we have had so many highs,” Turner said. “Like with any team, we have had our low points too but we always come out fighting – right now we are in a very strong place.

“We have an exciting few years ahead of us in GT racing. The discipline is going from strength-to-strength and I’m looking forward to working with the team to develop its new cars.”

Turner joined the David Richards-led organization in the launch year of AMR, having achieved two class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as racing every class the manufacturer has competed in.

“We’ve signed a three-year deal but we certainly see Darren’s future with Aston Martin Racing as ongoing,” Aston Martin Racing team principal John Gaw said.

“He has been with us since the company was founded and is therefore not only a very strong and reliable driver but also has an understanding of the team and insight into the cars better than anyone else ever could.

“His professional, mature and positive attitude is invaluable within our team as we look to bring in and develop young talent.”

Turner was most recently involved in the design and development of Aston Martin Vulcan, the manufacturer’s first track-only hypercar, which was on display and completed laps during the 24 Hours of Spa weekend last month.

“Although I’ve always had a strong relationship with the road car arm of the business and have been involved in many projects, this is the first time that we have come to a formal agreement and signed a contract,” Turner said.

“This will see me get more involved with road car projects and will draw an even closer link between these and our race car programs.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John