Aston Martin Racing confirms Sebring return

Aston Martin Racing will make the 61st Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida part of its 2013 GT racing program, the team has announced. Darren Turner and Stefan Mucke will team with AMR newcomer Bruno Senna in a 2013-spec Aston Martin Vantage GTE for the opening round of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron.

Along with Sebring, the Aston Martin factory program will compete in the full FIA World Endurance Championship – including the September round at Circuit of The Americas as part of a shared weekend with ALMS – and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“There is a real sense of anticipation in the Aston Martin Racing team this year and a belief that it is once again our time to return to the top step of the podium at Le Mans," said David Richards, chairman of Aston Martin. “It would be a fitting way for Aston Martin, which has such a rich heritage in motorsport and particularly at Le Mans, to cap its centenary year."

“Last year we proved how fast and reliable the car was," said John Gaw, managing director and team principal at Aston Martin Racing. “Overall, around 30 percent of all components on the 2013-specification Pro cars are new, which makes for a significant improvement. We looked at specific areas where we could take weight out of the car and redistribute it to a better location. We have also revised the suspension, which has not only improved the handling but, when combined with the new fly-by wire throttle allowed under this year's regulations, makes the car easier to drive."