In a historic conclusion to the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, the Aston Martin Vantage GTE, hailed as the most successful GT racing car in the annals of Aston Martin, is set to make its final appearance in contemporary motorsport this weekend.
The Vantage, a stalwart presence in the WEC since its podium finish in 2012, has amassed an impressive record, boasting 52 class wins and clinching 11 world championship titles. With the current LMGTE regulations bidding farewell after the Bahrain finale, the Vantage GTE’s remarkable 11-year, 85-race WEC career, featuring five class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, will draw to a close.
As the WEC ushers in the new LMGT3 rules in 2024, Aston Martin’s Vantage GT3 is poised to take the reins. Fans in Bahrain will witness the end of an era marked by astonishing success for the Vantage GTE.
Heart of Racing, recently announced as the works partner team for Aston Martin’s return to the top class of WEC in 2025, is gearing up to conclude its debut campaign on a high note. The team, led by Ian James (GBR), with Daniel Mancinelli (ITA) and Alex Riberas (ESP) behind the wheel of the #98 NorthWest AMR entry, aims to leave a lasting impression. TF Sport, the 2022 world champion, will be led by Ahmad Al Harthy in Bahrain, driving the #25 ORT by TF Vantage. Al Harthy, the first Omani driver to secure a WEC pole position earlier this year, is joined by Michael Dinan (USA) and Aston Martin works driver Charlie Eastwood (IRL).
In addition to running its own car, TF Sport is assisting D’station Racing, featuring Australian Liam Talbot in the #777 Vantage. Talbot, the current leader of GT World Challenge Australia, makes his WEC debut alongside team regulars Tomonobu Fujii (JPN) and Casper Stevenson (GBR). All three teams are poised to give the Vantage GTE a fitting send-off, celebrating its illustrious 11-year career with 85 races, including Bahrain. The Vantage GTE has secured an impressive 11 world titles, 52 individual wins, and five class victories at Le Mans.
The legacy of the Vantage GTE began in 2012 with a GTE Pro podium finish at the inaugural WEC race, the 12 Hours of Sebring. Over the years, it has achieved milestones, including its first WEC title in 2013 and consecutive Drivers’ Championships in 2014.
The current-specification Vantage GTE, introduced in the 2018-19 WEC ‘Super Season,’ has set new standards in GT racing, with Thiim and Sørensen clinching their second GTE Pro title in 2019/20. Aston Martin was crowned FIA GT Manufacturers’ World Champions on the same day at Le Mans in 2019.
The BAPCO 6 Hours of Bahrain, commencing at 1400 local time on Saturday, November 4, marks the culmination of the Vantage GTE’s storied career under the floodlights as night encroaches. Practice and qualifying sessions will take place on Thursday and Friday, respectively. Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance Racing, Adam Carter, expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the GTE era, reflecting on the enduring performance that has defined the Vantage’s legacy in the WEC.