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The Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept was on the race track joining its racing stablemates DBR9s for pre-season testing. The tests took place at Paul Ricard featuring a mix of customer cars alongside race units.

Two DBR9s were at hand to show what they are capable of ahead of their entry at Le Mans. Three of the racing drivers present are new to the DBR9, and one of them is German racer Heinz-Harald Frentzen. You’ll remember him for his last stint with the Jordan team in Formula One. His total tally of wins in F1 number three, but do not reflect on the talent the man had.

“I’ve not driven any sort of racing car for one and a half years,” said Frentzen, “so this was a great opportunity for me to get back into action. I really enjoyed the experience of driving the DBR9, and I actually found it very easy to drive. It was really good fun to get behind the wheel of a proper GT car, and I’ve definitely got a taste for it now.”

David Richards, chairman of Aston Martin was impressed with the progress made by his company in the past three years developing new racing cars.

Other cars present were the Charouz Racing Systems LMP1 car which is powered by Aston Martin. In addition the Vantage GT2, DBRS9 GT3 and V8 Vantage N24s were there too.

Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin commented as such: “It is very satisfying to see the progress we have made at all levels of GT racing. The DBR9s in Gulf colours look stunning and the new GT2 car is showing great potential, but I am also delighted to see so many of our Vantage N24 customers here testing alongside the professionals. I was thrilled to drive the V12 Vantage RS concept car for the first time.”