Aston Martin’s new LMP1 car has secured a maiden victory in its first Le Mans Series outing, during the Catalunya 1000km in Barcelona.
Two Aston LMP1 cars were challenging for honours at the race, but the 007 car of Charouz/Enge/Mücke eventually took the chequered flag first after qualifying in third place and having to battle hard in the closing stages of the race.
A spin from sister car 009 (Primat/Ramos/Turner) 40 minutes before the chequered flag forced a safety car period, that allowed Mücke to take advantage of the bunched pack and claim the lead with 20 minutes to go. Mücke then ran on to secure the win with a lead of 14.8 seconds over the Pescarolo Sport Judd car.
Both cars were unaffected by mechanical problems during the race, and until Ramos spun the 009 car both LMP1 racers were running in the top three.
“I obviously have mixed emotions” Ramos said. “I’m very disappointed and sorry for what happened when I was in the car, but I am delighted for the team.”
The Le Mans race series continues on 8 May with the 1000km of Spa.