Aston Martin the David v Le Mans Goliaths

"When Jos was in the car we were five seconds off the pace which was quite pleasing," said Turner, 35, a former McLaren Formula One test driver whose team mates have both raced in grands prix. "Last year all the petrol cars were eight or nine seconds off the pace. So it looks like the deficit has closed somewhat." Aston Martin, who have their own real David at Le Mans in chairman David Richards, will have to make the most of the changeable weather and any safety car periods, while hoping to cash in if the battle between Peugeot and Audi forces either team to push too hard. "On performance, outright, we are not able to challenge the diesels. But at the moment it looks like we are in a reasonably good shape compared to the other petrol engined cars out there," said Turner, who has won with Aston Martin in the GT1 category for the past two years. "If we can come away as top petrol (team) that would be fantastic but if we could also maybe get into the top six by the end of the race that would be a huge achievement for the team." With some 70,000 British fans expected to cross the Channel for the race, the Gulf-liveried Aston Martins can count on strong support even if Scotland's Allan McNish is well placed to repeat last year's win for Audi. "This year, I think it's a little bit more special because of Aston Martin celebrating their 50th anniversary and being in the LMP1 cars and having two Brits in the nine driver line-up," said Turner. "It just gives it a little extra appeal to the British fans. it's a real British entry so hopefully we can reward them with some success on the track." Sportscar maker Aston Martin, whose team are run by Richards' Prodrive company, are majority owned by Kuwait's Investment DAR. (Editing by Alison Wildey; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

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