Aston Martin Finalizing Le Mans GTE-Pro Lineup

Photo: Aston Martin Racing

Aston Martin Racing is finalizing its GTE-Pro lineups for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with two yet-to-be-announced seats to be filled, according to managing director John Gaw.

The British manufacturer, which has started the 2019-20 FIA World Endurance Championship season with two-driver lineups in its pair of factory Vantage GTE cars, will need to fill seats in both the Nos. 95 and 97 Vantage GTEs in the French endurance classic.

Factory drivers Darren Turner and Jonny Adam completed the lineup in the respective cars at Le Mans this year although are now committed to full-season WEC programs in GTE-Am.

Sportscar365 understands that Ford Chip Ganassi Racing refugee Richard Westbrook is among those in contention for the Le Mans drive, although Gaw would not confirm the Englishman’s signing.

Ex-Aston Martin factory ace Stefan Muecke, who was also part of the factory Ford GT program, has been another driver rumored.

“We’re looking and trying to find the right people,” said Aston Martin Racing team principal Paul Howarth.

It’s understood both drivers would likely come from outside of Aston’s current factory and driver development roster.

Howarth said it’s “too early” to say whether they would utilize the additional Le Mans drivers in the lineup for the Total 6 Hours of Spa, suggesting it depends on the team’s championship position.

Lynn “100 Percent” Committed to Sebring

Gaw stressed that Alex Lynn is “100 percent” committed to the 1000 Miles of Sebring, despite his expected Jaguar reserve driver role in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship which could put his services in need in the all-electric series that weekend.

Full-season Jaguar driver James Calado is expected to prioritize his WEC commitments with AF Corse, although the situation remains in flux.

Howarth, meanwhile, said the team will utilize two-driver lineups for Sebring after splitting its cars between two and three-driver squads last season.

“We’ve done three and two, we tried every single way, but the variable of the third driver not getting enough track time just expanded everything by 25 percent,” he said.

Daniel Lloyd contributed to this report

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