Sebring 19 March 2010. Aston Martin Racing will start the 12 Hours of Sebring from third on the grid on Saturday 20 March. Drivers Adrian Fernández (MX), Stefan Mücke (DE) and Harold Primat (CH) will form the driver line-up for the American endurance classic. The qualifying session saw Stefan Mücke post a time of 1m46.079s in the Aston Martin LMP1 car just 0.238s behind the second placed diesel-powered car.

 

The 007 Aston Martin sponsored by Lowe’s performed well throughout the practice and qualifying session with only minor tweaks and modifications being made to create the ideal set-up ahead of the race.

 

Mücke said: “I think we achieved the maximum we could today; we are not far behind the diesels which are very strong. It’s hot out there, and the track is very slippery but I am happy with the car with just a few minor modifications to make before the race. Now I am really looking forward to the battle against the diesels. Traffic will be a big challenge tomorrow, and we need to keep the car on this very bumpy track but I am hoping for a podium finish.”

 

Team Principal, George-Howard Chappell who has been overseeing the team’s progress during practice and qualifying said: “Third position is exactly where we hoped and expected to be. We need a very clean run during the race, and I am confident of the reliability of our car. Much will depend on the reliability of the diesel cars if we are to improve on our qualifying position.”

 

In total, 34 cars will take the start of the 12 hour race at the legendary Sebring circuit, with temperatures expected to reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Live coverage will be on the SPEED channel with radio coverage found at: www.radiolemans.com.

 

The 58th 12 Hours of Sebring will get underway at 10:30 (EDT) on Saturday 20 March 2010. For live timing visit: www.americanlemans.com.