Aston Martin Vantage GT3 takes maiden win at Suzuka

Aston Martin Racing partner team D'station Racing secured the first outright victory for the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 at Suzuka Raceway, in the opening round of the Super Taikyu series.

In only its third competitive outing, following races in the Nurburgring Nordschleife-based VLN series and the Abu Dhabi 12 Hours last year, the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 took its debut win in Japan. It was also the first time the car had competed since its final FIA homologation approval.

The #777 D'station Racing Vantage GT3, being driven by works driver and three-time Le Mans 24 Hours class winner Darren Turner, D’station Racing President Satoshi Hoshino and Japanese driver Tsubasa Kondo finished the five hour event with a comfortable margin over second place after their key rivals hit trouble mid-race.

Having started from the front row Kondo maintained second position early on, before handing the car over to Hoshino just before the first hour-mark. The Bronze GT licence holder then produced an excellent stint to keep the car in contention while surrounded by pro drivers before swapping back to Kondo.

In his second stint, Kondo moved into the lead as his two key rivals suffered contact lapping slower cars. That meant Turner climbed in to the car for his double-stint inheriting a lead he would not relinquish. The Briton, who was making his Suzuka debut, then delivered two typically strong stints to ensure the car finished well clear of the field.

D'station Racing will begin its Super GT campaign at Okayama, Japan, on 14 April.