Andrew Howard (Aston Martin): "We'd like to finish on the podium this year."
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Andrew Howard (Aston Martin): "We'd like to finish on the podium this year."

The driver and owner of the Beechdean AMR team is a happy man. The #99 Aston Martin Vantage he entered into the 2017 European Le Mans Series is about to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMGTE Am class on June 17th and 18th.

How did you feel after you won the LMGTE title in the 2016 ELMS?

"It was just incredible. We went into the last round (at Estoril in Portugal, Ed.) telling ourselves we were about to finish second in the championship, which would have been a great result in and of itself as it was our very first year. But, we did it, we won the title! It was a crazy race, it's wonderful for me to be able to say that Darren (Turner, Ed.), Alex (MacDowall, Ed.) and I are ELMS champions. It's truly something special."

You're working with a new teammate, Ross Gunn. How is it going?

"I haven't known him long, but his father is the person who introduced me to motorsports. Ross is a very talented young driver. He is very excited at the prospect of participating with us in the ELMS and the 24 Hours of Le Mans."

What is Beechdean AMR's objective this season? A new ELMS title?

"We don't spend a lot of time in LMGTE, and the level this year is very competitive. I made a mistake at Silverstone and spun off course during the race which cost us precious seconds and certainly second place, the win was out of reach, TF Sport's Aston Martin Vantage was simply too fast for us. At that level, to make that kind of error costs a great deal, but that's why I enjoy driving in what is in my opinion the best European GT championship there is. Monza was better and we once again claimed a podium finish, third! Our short-term goal is to win the championship again and my long-term goal is to take part in the World Endurance Championship one day. It's the highest level of GT in the world. It will be a big step for us since we are a small team, so we're going to continue to fight on the track."

What do you remember of your first participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans last year (the #99 Aston Martin Vantage driven by Liam Griffin and Gary Hirsch finished 36th overall and seventh in LMGTE Am)?

"Wow! Le Mans is just phenomenal. I've been going to Le Mans since 2008 or 2009 and one day someone said to me: 'you won't remember your first 24 Hours of Le Mans, it happens too fast.' I thought, no that can't be. So last year I focused on these things: the race, trying to finish it and, as our program spans three years, that our priority is to learn. I've done quite a few 24-hour races before. Le Mans did not disappoint, it's exactly what I anticipated."

What is your new driver line-up's goal this year (see article)?

"In 2016, we were looking to gain experience. Now we have the team to place well, but I know Le Mans chooses its winner and the competitors who will reach the podium. I just hope Le Mans will be good to Beechdean AMR this time. We'd like to finish on the podium this year." 

Photo (Copyright - Pascal Saivet/VSA): Beechdean AMR's Aston Martin Vantage claimed the third step on the podium in the LMGTE class at Monza. 

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