Aston Martin confirms IMSA plans for North American programme

Aston Martin Racing's (AMR) presence at the pinnacle of U.S endurance motorsport is to be significantly increased, with the British sportscar manufacturer returning to the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD class in 2020.

Two Aston Martin Vantage GT3s will contest the blue riband Rolex 24 at Daytona race from 25 to 26 January 2020, while new partner team Heart of Racing will run a full season programme this year.

Aston Martin Racing has entered a Vantage GT3 supported by NorthWest Healthcare in the Rolex 24, alongside Heart of Racing's entry. 

This works-run #98 car will be driven by long-standing factory drivers Pedro Lamy, Mathias Lauda and Ross Gunn as well as new addition, the AMR Junior driver Andrew Watson, who stands in for 2017 FIA WEC GTE Am world champion Paul Dalla Lana. The Canadian picked up a minor injury in the winter break.

Heart of Racing's lineup will feature two Aston Martin drivers in its Rolex 24 crew. Aston Martin announced that it has secured the services of Alex Riberas as its AMR North America driver. The Spaniard is a multiple race winner at IMSA GTD level and has a wealth of experience having previously raced internationally for several manufacturers prior to signing with Aston Martin.

Riberas will join Aston Martin works driver and current FIA World Endurance Championship GTE leader Nicki Thiim in supporting Heart of Racing drivers Ian James and Roman de Angelis at the Rolex 24. Riberas and De Angelis will then form the regular season lineup for the rest of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, where they will be joined by James for the longer endurance events.