Round One. Silverstone. Let It Begin.

April 13, 2017 by Aston Martin

◾First round of the FIA World Endurance Championship commences at Silverstone on 16 April.

◾Aston Martin Racing returns with two GTE Pro and one GTE Am entry.

◾Team looking to capitalise on last year's success and maximise points in aid of title challenge.

11 April 2017, Banbury: Aston Martin Racing is set to kick start its 2017 campaign this weekend, as round one of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) gets underway at Silverstone on Sunday.

With a focused team looking to flourish in this weekend's race, Aston Martin Racing Team Principal Paul Howarth has identified the great importance of claiming early points and consistently gaining them throughout what is due to be an incredibly competitive season.

'We're in a great space ahead of Silverstone,' he commented, 'we have a new and exhilarating line up while retaining our committed partners including Total and Dunlop, giving us the complete package for what we predict to be a successful season for Aston Martin Racing.'

Aston Martin will enter three cars in this year's championship, hoping to repeat the success of last season with Nicki Thiim (DN) and Marco Sørensen (DN) crowned as 2016 GT Drivers Champions with the #95 entry claiming GTE Pro honours too.

With the #95 GTE Pro occupied by Nicki Thiim, Marco S­­­­­ørensen and Richie Stanaway (NZ), the #97 will be driven by Daniel Serra (BR), Darren Turner (GB) and Jonny Adam (GB).

'Last season we set the bar high and now we are title defenders' said Thiim who added 'There are some new cars which will make for an interesting season but we definitely have the team to take them on. Silverstone is an interesting circuit and there's always a sense of anticipation ahead of a new season, but right now I just want to be back in my car and pushing for the win.'

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Sørensen added, 'To be champions is amazing, I want the same again' he added 'It all starts at Silverstone, we want to make a strong statement. I really feel that the hard work and training has paid off over the winter and we're in an even better place than we were 12 months ago.'

In GTE Am, the familiar trio of Paul Dalla Lana (CA), Mathias Lauda (AT) and Pedro Lamy (PT) will launch their 2017 campaign with an upgraded V8 Vantage GTE to 2016 specification. The team are looking to build on their success towards the end of last season after winning five of nine rounds last season.

'Consistency and reliability are key and our preparation from now to Le Mans is crucial,' said Dalla Lana, 'we have a great team and success to build on. Le Mans will be the true test and that is the victory that we so dearly want to take.'

The Six Hours of Silverstone starts at 12:00 on Sunday 16 April 2017. For regular updates, follow the team on Twitter at @AMR_Official.