In the upcoming 6 Hours of Fuji, a pivotal round in the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), Aston Martin’s Vantage GTE is poised for action, returning to the iconic Fuji Speedway. This track has witnessed the glory of Aston Martin, offering a favorable setting for the renowned Vantage GTE.
Aston Martin Racing’s esteemed partner teams, including D’station Racing, Heart of Racing (competing under the NorthWest AMR entry), and the reigning LMGTE Am class champions TF Sport, are gearing up for this significant race. The teams are not only chasing victory but also aiming to secure the Vantage GTE’s first win in its farewell season of WEC competition.
Fuji Speedway holds a special place in Aston Martin’s racing history, having been the stage for numerous triumphs since it was introduced to WEC in 2012. Aston Martin boasts an impressive record of seven WEC class victories in Japan, making it a track where the brand’s legacy shines. Notably, the current generation Vantage GTE achieved its maiden pole position here in 2018, a testament to the car’s capabilities and the team’s expertise.
TF Sport, led by drivers Ahmad Al Harthy, Michael Dinan, and Charlie Eastwood, enters the 6 Hours of Fuji with a strong momentum. With consistent performances, TF Sport is just two points away from securing the second spot in the championship, adding to the excitement of this race.
D’station Racing, supported by TF Sport, is determined to recreate its podium success from the previous year. The team, based less than 10 miles from Fuji Speedway, enjoys local support and is aiming for a third WEC podium finish, showcasing their competitive spirit on home soil.
Heart of Racing, making its Japanese racing debut, is back in WEC after its Le Mans appearance. The team, featuring Ian James, Alex Riberas, and Daniel Mancinelli, is eager to make a mark and continue their strong performance in this renowned endurance championship.
The Vantage GTE, a prototype derived from Aston Martin’s luxury sportscar, embodies the brand’s legacy in motorsport. With its aluminum body-frame and a specially-tuned version of the four-liter V8 turbo-charged production engine, the Vantage GTE has been phenomenally successful. Aston Martin’s legacy in endurance racing, highlighted by the Vantage GTE’s achievements, adds an element of excitement to the 6 Hours of Fuji, making it a race eagerly anticipated by racing enthusiasts worldwide.
We are delighted to see three Aston Martin Vantage GTEs contesting the 6 Hours of Fuji, a venue Aston Martin has traditionally enjoyed competitive form at over the years. TF Sport has been in the mix all season, and it feels like only a matter of time before the team is rewarded with a victory. D’station Racing is always strong on home soil, and we’re excited to see what Heart of Racing can achieve on the team’s first visit to Fuji. There are only two races left for this iteration of the wonderful Vantage GTE, which has proved so successful, and yet we see no signs of it fading in competitiveness and we are hoping that it can bow out on the high its pedigree deserves.
