Sir Stirling gets to grips again with the DBR1
Sir Stirling Moss will race an Aston Martin DBR1 in this year’s Le Mans Legends race.
The remarkable 77-year old will drive DBR1/2, the car that claimed victory in the 1959 Le Mans 24 hours. The Legends race takes place before the start of the modern endurance classic on Saturday, 16th June.
Moss drove for Aston Martin at Le Mans three times, making his debut with the team in a DB3S for the 1956 race, before competing with a DBR1 in 1958 and 1959. Also in the DBR1, he claimed wins at the 1958 and 1959 Goodwood Tourist Trophy, as well as at the Nurburgring 1000 kilometres in Germany.
Sir Stirling will share the voluptuous race car with Dr Ulrich Bez, Chief Executive of Aston Martin.
After a brief test, Moss said he was looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of one of Aston Martin’s most famous cars in order to demonstrate it to the public.
Moss and DBR1: a quality combination
He commented: “I tested the DBR1 at Silverstone last Friday and it felt wonderful. I am delighted to have the opportunity to race at Le Mans again.”
Dr Bez said: “I’m sure every racing enthusiast in the world would love to see Sir Stirling and the DBR1 in action again, and I am delighted that so many will have the opportunity at Le Mans this year, 48 years after they last appeared there together. To partner Sir Stirling in the race is a dream and a great honour for me.”
This year the one-hour Legends race will feature over 50 of the finest sports cars ever to grace the track, including the Ford GT40, Ferrari 250LM, Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 and of course the Aston Martin DBR1; sounds like compulsory viewing.
Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of race organiser Motor Racing Legends, said: “Sir Stirling’s presence couldn’t be better news. He is a true motor sport hero to all generations, and a real legend outside the sport as well.”
Not that you require it from us Sir Stirling, but best of luck…