Aston Martin teams up with Gulf Oil to target Le Mans glory

Mumbai, Jan 14 (UNI) Aston Martin Racing will return to Le Mans in 2008 to defend its GT1 title in the distinctive blue and orange livery of Gulf Oil International as the two organisations embark on a multi-year partnership.

Two Aston Martin DBR9s will seek to add to both parties' long history of success at Le Mans, 40 years on from Gulf's first victory at the 24-hour race, a release stated today.

The Vice Presidet of Gulf Oil International, Alain Dujean part of the international Hinduja Group, said,''This is arguably the most important year ever for Gulf in motorsport. The famous Gulf racing colours first tasted victory at Le Mans in 1968, so 2008 already had a great significance for us, but for Gulf to have joined up with Aston Martin Racing for this year is fantastic - the coming together of two great automotive names, for what I hope will be a long and fruitful partnership.'' Chairman of Aston Martin David Richards said, ''Endurance racing is engrained in the heritage of both Gulf and Aston Martin and we have also been intrinsically linked through Le Mans for many decades. It was perhaps destined that in the year we defend our GT1 title and Gulf celebrates the 40th anniversary of its victory, we would finally race together.'' The two Aston Martin DBR9s for 2008 will be entered as numbers 007 and 009, the release added.

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