Aston Martin cans LMP1 program

The Aston Martin AMR-One LMP1 sports-car racing project is almost certainly finished. Confirmation from DeltaWing designer Ben Bowlby that his innovative 2012 Le Mans contender uses the AMR-One's monocoque must mean that the decision has been made to abandon the 2011 Aston LMP1 after just two races.

The business model for the AMR-One was based on selling six cars, but two of the six tubs produced at the start of the year are now unavailable after being sold to the DeltaWing group.

Bowlby confirmed that the DeltaWing's chassis is from Aston Martin AMR-One.

"There has been some speculation, and it is accurate," he admitted. "Enough said."

AMR's official stance is that the AMR-One, which endured a short-lived Le Mans debut in June, remains under review.

Aston Martin chairman David Richards, whose Prodrive company runs AMR, was insistent last month that the car would race again, though he claimed it "might be in a different guise." That comment appears to be consistent with the DeltaWing deal. AutoWeek