A new team bearing the iconic Gulf Oil International racing colours and the Aston Martin Racing name will be contesting the 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with an Aston Martin Vantage GT2 in the GTE Am category.
Gulf AMR Middle East is a UAE-based racing team owned by Frederic Fatien, Jean-Pierre Valentini, Mike Wainwright and Roald Goethe, and is an evolution of the Gulf Team First organisation which ran in the 2010 FIA GT2 European Cup and, most recently, entered the Dunlop 24H Dubai race.
Entered as an official partner team for Gulf Oil International and Aston Martin Racing, the Gulf AMR Middle East entry will be driven by Mike Wainwright and Roald Goethe, both of whom gained valuable experience in international competition during 2010. Notable amongst their track outings were races in the FIA GT2 European Cup, GT3, the Spa 24 Hours, selected rounds of the French GT Championship and the final two rounds of the inaugural ILMC series.
They will be joined by highly experienced French driver, Fabien Giroix, and the team will be under the guiding hands of legendary motorsport team owner and manager, David Price.
John Gaw, Managing Director of Aston Martin Racing, commented of the new partnership: "Aston Martin Racing have enjoyed a long, successful and winning relationship with Gulf and are delighted that Gulf AMR Middle East have announced this significant project in such an important championship. AMR look forward to working with this highly experienced team in support of this programme across 2011."
The GT2 category is one of the most fiercely-fought and popular battles in international competition today, with luxury marques such as Aston Martin, Ferrari and Porsche all battling for honours in cars that are instantly recognisable to media and fans alike. Add to that the iconic colours and heritage of Gulf Oil International and the scene is set for some great racing in the months to come.