New Aston Martin Vantage GTE Testing at Sebring; Lynn Tipped for Factory Drive

Aston Martin’s new Vantage GTE has been spied testing at Sebring, ahead of its official unveil later this month.

The British manufacturer is undertaking a three-day test at the Florida airfield circuit with its 2018-spec Vantage, in what’s believed to further prove the car’s reliability prior to the start of the 2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship ‘Super Season.’

Despite its presence at Sebring, it’s understood the car is still scheduled to make its competition debut in the WEC season-opener at Spa-Francorchamps in May.

A team source indicated to Sportscar365 last week that an AMR-run program for the Rolex 24 at Daytona and Sebring is now unlikely, with all focus being put into the rollout of the new car.

Spy photos and video, courtesy of “fansofthe12hours”, however show the new-generation Aston Martin on Michelin tires instead of AMR’s current WEC tire partner Dunlop. 

The GTE car is expected to be formally presented on Nov. 21, alongside its road-going counterpart.

Lynn Tipped for Factory Drive

Sportscar365 also understands that Twelve Hours of Sebring winner Alex Lynn is among the drivers taking part in the test this week at Sebring.

Lynn, who won this year’s race in a Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac DPi-V.R, is believed to be in contention for a factory seat with the GTE-Pro squad next season.

The 24-year-old Englishman recently signed with DS Virgin Racing for a full-time drive in the FIA Formula E Championship, although there are no clashes between the WEC and Formula E next year.

Lynn is no stranger to AMR, having taken part in the Bahrain Rookie Test in 2016, although ultimately not having been chosen for a race seat this year.

The team has yet to indicate its driver lineup for the 2018/19 season.

Photo: fansofthe12hours

Photo: fansofthe12hours

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