Aston Martin took its third consecutive podium of 2010 at the 36th running of the Grand Prix of Long Beach crossing the line in second place. Drivers Adrian Fernández (MX) and Harold Primat (CH) drove on the limit throughout the 100 minute dash, in a race that was plagued with yellow flags and a brush with the tyre wall. Aston Martin Racing, normally conditioned to compete in long endurance epics, ran the 007 car with maximum down-force to cope with the incredibly tight bends at the 1.968 mile tree-lined circuit.
Starting from pole position, Primat stormed off the start creating a comfortable lead which was then diminished by two safety car periods. Holding first until just after the second safety car, which allowed the pack to catch up, the number 37 LMP got a good exit of the hairpin and took the lead. Shortly after, another LMP car made contact with Primat sending him into the tyres causing damage to the rear end, positioning him in third. The other car was then held for a stop and go penalty for avoidable contact returning Primat back to second. The single pit stop and driver change was made under yet another yellow flag and Fernández returned to the field behind the safety car which remained out for a further 13 minutes.
Just four minutes before the end of the race, Fernández stormed past the second placed LMP car to take the lead and held it until the final lap, but went slightly wide into turn five conceding the lead and the 007 Aston Martin took the chequered flag in second place overall.
Team Principal, George Howard-Chappell said: “We’re very disappointed to have lost first place so close to the end. It was however, a very exciting race and the team had a lot to deal with throughout. Everyone did a great job, but it is a real shame not to win today.”
Adrian Fernández said: “As I took over the car mid way through the race, there were issues with brake fade, but I managed to climb back up to first position before the end by staying as consistent as possible and keeping clear of traffic. It was a real shame to have lost first place on the final lap.”
Harold Primat said: “I had a great start at the beginning of the race, the car was fine and my lap times were good. However, every time I managed to build up a lead, there was a safety car allowing the rest of the field to catch up. It was a really exciting race and the team did a great job.”
Overall Pos Car No Drivers Make
- 1 Brabham/Pagenaud HPD ARX-01c
- 007 Primat/Fernandez Lola B09 60 Aston Martin
- 6 Pickett/Graf Porsche RS Spyder
- 16 Dyson/Smith Lola B09 86 Mazda
- 99 Julian/Jeannette Oreca FLM09
