The 2009 Aston Martin B09/60 LMP1 is a prototype race car developed by British car manufacturer Aston Martin for the 2009 Le Mans Prototype 1 (LMP1) racing class. The car was designed to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other endurance races held throughout the year. The B09/60 was the first LMP1 car built by Aston Martin since their 2008 DBR9 racing car.
The B09/60 was developed with the help of Prodrive, who provided aerodynamic testing and engineering services. The car was powered by a 5.5-litre V12 engine delivering up to 600hp and weighing only 1,000kg. It was capable of reaching speeds of up to 200mph. The car featured a carbon fibre monocoque chassis and a six-speed sequential transmission.
The B09/60 was designed to be a reliable and easy-to-handle car, taking into account the long distances covered in endurance races. It featured a simplified suspension setup and a standardised aerodynamic package. The car was also designed to be as light and efficient as possible, with the engine and transmission placed at the rear of the car to improve weight distribution and reduce drag.
The 2009 season marked the debut of the B09/60 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car was entered in both the LMP1 and GT1 classes, driven by drivers Darren Turner, Antonio Garcia, and Oliver Gavin. The car was successful in qualifying, qualifying third in LMP1 and fourth in GT1. Unfortunately, the car was forced to retire early due to mechanical issues.
The car was also entered in the 2009 American Le Mans Series, driven by drivers Turner, Garcia, and David Brabham. Despite early success, the car was forced to retire early due to a crash at the first race of the season. The car would continue to compete in the ALMS throughout the year, but would only manage to finish in the top three once, taking third place at the season finale.
Following the 2009 season, the B09/60 was retired from competition and replaced by the Aston Martin DBR1-2. The car would later be sold to a private collector and is still in their possession today. The B09/60 remains a testament to Aston Martin’s engineering prowess and is a reminder of their brief foray into the world of prototype racing.
Overall, the 2009 Aston Martin B09/60 LMP1 was a short-lived but impressive race car. Despite its limited success, the car was a significant milestone for Aston Martin, as it was their first foray into the world of prototype racing. The B09/60 provided a glimpse of the engineering prowess that was to come from the British manufacturer.
The B09/60 was an impressive race car, with its light weight and powerful engine. It was designed to be reliable and easy to handle, making it ideal for endurance racing. The car was also designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind, with the engine and transmission placed at the rear of the car for improved weight distribution and reduced drag.
Although the car never achieved great success in endurance racing, the 2009 Aston Martin B09/60 LMP1 is still remembered as a significant milestone in the history of the British car manufacturer. It provided a glimpse into the engineering prowess and innovation that would come to define Aston Martin in the years to come.
