The #777 D’station Racing Vantage GT3 dominated the GT300 Class at the 3-hour Suzuka race, achieving a clean sweep with a pole position (another first for the team) and a commanding race win. Driver Tomonobu Fujii, who also manages the team, secured the fastest lap and his first SUPER GT victory since 2016. The Aston Martin finished a convincing 38 seconds ahead of its closest competitor.
This wasn’t the only good news for Aston Martin on the racing front. Across the Pacific, the US-based Heart of Racing team, another Aston Martin partner competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, secured its best result of the season. Their new Vantage GT3 car rocketed from sixth on the grid to a podium finish in the 100-minute sprint race held on Detroit’s challenging street circuit.
Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance Motorsport, Adam Carter, expressed his delight at the team’s achievements. He acknowledged the significance of D’station Racing’s victory, highlighting the team’s dedication since their partnership began in 2019. He also praised Heart of Racing’s tenacity and racing expertise in securing a podium finish. These strong performances come at a perfect time, boosting morale as preparations for the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans get underway.
D’station Racing’s history with Aston Martin is extensive. They partnered with the brand in 2019, entering the SUPER GT series with the previous-generation Vantage GT3. Their collaboration proved fruitful, with D’station Racing becoming the first team to win a Japanese domestic title with an Aston Martin in 2021.
The new Vantage GT3 boasts an impressive lineage, drawing inspiration from multiple world championship-winning predecessors. It shares its mechanical architecture with the new road-going Vantage and features a powerful twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine. Additionally, the car has undergone a complete aerodynamic overhaul, with a new nose-to-tail design, a comprehensively revised suspension system, and cutting-edge electronics. These advancements position the Vantage GT3 as a serious contender in the world of GT racing.
With 25 Vantage GT3 cars already competing in over 10 major GT racing series globally, Aston Martin expects this number to reach at least 35 by the end of the car’s first season. This impressive showing signifies the car’s potential and the strong partnerships Aston Martin has forged within the motorsport community.