Aston Martin considering GT2 V8 Vantage

Aston Martin's 2008 GT1-class racing plan still is not finalized, but it might battle Chevrolet in GT2. Prodrive, which runs Aston's racing programs, has a test car up and running.Prodrive's test mule is based on the V8 Vantage. The car would race against the new GT2 Chevy Corvette built by Riley Technologies (Competition, Oct. 15). "This is more of a GT2 test hack than a car that conforms to any regulations," said George Howard-Chappell, who heads Aston Martin Racing at Prodrive. "We are evaluating the V8 platform, and this car will help us answer some key questions."Aston regular Darren Turner tested the car at the MIRA proving ground in England in early November and drove it again recently at Goodwood. Prodrive was set to take the Vantage to Spain, where the DBR9 GT1 car also will run, the week of Nov. 12 for a Michelin tire test. Howard-Chappell said the Vantage project's future will be clearer after that."We could have cars ready for next year but not in very high numbers," he said. "It is important to stress that right now, we have not committed to building and selling GT2 cars."As for Aston's GT1 plans, it almost certainly will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a pair of DBR9s to defend its 2007 win. A full season in the American Le Mans Series is unlikely unless the team finds enough sponsorship.