Aston Martin celebrated a historic triumph at the Crowdstrike 24 Hours of Spa, the pinnacle of GT3 endurance racing held at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on the weekend of June 29-30.
The victory, secured by Aston Martin partner team Comtoyou Racing and drivers Mattia Drudi, Marco Sørensen, and Nicki Thiim, marked the British marque’s first overall win since 1948. It also marked the inaugural 24-hour victory for the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3, a significant achievement in the car’s debut year in competition against its GT rivals.
For seasoned champions Thiim and Sørensen, known as the ‘Dane Train’, this win holds particular significance as their first overall victory as teammates in a 24-hour race, despite their numerous class wins at Le Mans. Sørensen expressed his joy, emphasizing the exceptional performance of the Vantage GT3 and acknowledging the teamwork that contributed to their success. Thiim echoed the sentiment, describing the win as a deeply meaningful accomplishment for both himself and Aston Martin.
The race was a test of endurance and skill amidst challenging conditions, including severe thunderstorms and multiple safety car periods. Despite these challenges, Comtoyou Racing maintained composure and consistently fought at the front of the pack. In a dramatic final hour, their #007 Aston Martin seized the lead after a strategic pit stop maneuver, securing victory uncontested as their rivals faced setbacks in the pit lane.
The overall success was complemented by strong performances from other Aston Martin entries, including the #34 Walkenhorst Motorsport Vantage GT3, which finished fourth, and the #35 Vantage GT3 of Walkenhorst Motorsport, unfortunately sidelined by an incident while contending for class victory.
Reflecting on the achievement, Mattia Drudi praised the team’s flawless execution throughout the demanding race, underscoring the teamwork and meticulous preparation that contributed to their victory.
The Crowdstrike 24 Hours of Spa proved to be a memorable event for Aston Martin, reaffirming their competitive edge and setting a high benchmark in GT3 endurance racing.
