Dunlop supported team, JMW Motorsport will be competing with the Aston Martin Vantage GT2 in the 2010 Le Mans Series and Le Mans 24 Hour, having become Aston Martin Racing's official global GT2 Development Partner.
JMW and Dunlop will work closely with Aston Martin Racing on a three year programme to help develop the Vantage GT2 which will be unveiled on the Dunlop stand at the Autosport Show today.
JMW Motorsport is retaining their strong partnership with Dunlop who has renewed their long term commitment to the team as Development Partners in the GT2 programme. The JMW Motorsport Aston Martin Vantage GT2 will feature in Dunlop’s 2010 Le Mans Design Competition.
The UK’s Rob Bell, twice LMGT2 Champion, shall once again be part of a formidable driver line-up to be finalised shortly.
An intensive testing programme begins in January ahead of the opening Le Mans Series race on 9-11 April – the 8 Hours of Le Castellet, France. Participation in a number of selected high profile events may be added to the team’s calendar at a later date.
Jim McWhirter, JMW Team Principal: “This is a very exciting development for our team and reflects the efforts invested over the past seasons. This may be a new car for JMW, but the same desire, commitment and perseverance is still there and we are confident we shall be in the mix from the start.
“Dunlop has been an integral part of our success and it is extremely rewarding that they are joining forces with JMW and Aston Martin Racing in this challenging new adventure.”
Jean-Felix Bazelin, General Manager Dunlop Motorsport Europe: “We have worked very successfully over the last four years with Jim McWhirter, winning the Championship twice, and being runner-up once, in the very competitive Le Mans Series GT2 category. It is therefore an obvious decision for Dunlop Motorsport to follow JMW Motorsport in their new challenge with a new car.
“Being associated with Aston Martin, the most prestigious English sports car manufacturer, is an honour and a thrilling prospect for Dunlop. It is also an opportunity for our designers to demonstrate their ability to be successful again with the same partner but another car. I am convinced that the ‘Best of British’ partnership of JMW, Aston Martin, Rob Bell and Dunlop can compete for the 2010 Le Mans Series podiums and stand out in the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours.
“In addition to our full technical support, we will put all our enthusiasm and passion into this fantastic new project. We want to contribute toward making the JMW-Aston Martin the winning package for 2010.”
The tyres for the Aston Martin are made at the iconic Fort Dunlop plant in Erdington, Birmingham which employs over 300 skilled technicians and craftspeople, making over 200,000 specialist high technology tyres in 2009.
ENDS
About Dunlop
Dunlop is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high and ultra high performance tyres with an impressive track record of motor sport successes. Dunlop’s extensive racing experience has led to innovative technologies for tyres designed for everyday motoring. Always looking to maximize driving pleasure, Dunlop offers all types of motorists the performance and durability of the latest tyre technologies, including tyres with RunOnFlat technology, which is fitted to award winning vehicles such as the BMW One, Three, Five Series and X5.
Many of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers’ fit Dunlop tyres as standard, which include premium sports cars such as Alfa Romeo, AMG, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and TVR.
For more information on Dunlop, visit www.dunlop.eu
CONTACT:
James Bailey
Phone 0121 306 6328
E-mail: jbailey@dunlop-tyres.co.uk