Despite the comparatively untested status of Aston Martin's LMP1 race car, Team Aston Martin streaked to a fourth overall finish at the 77th Le Mans 24 Hours on June 14, 2009. While they were unable to surpass their diesel-powered competitors, Aston Martin's 007 car held its lead amongst gasoline-fueled cars from the beginning of the race to its conclusion, reprising the results it had achieved during Thursday night's qualification run. 007's crew, consisting of Jan Charouz, Tomas Enge, and Stefan Mucke enjoyed a nearly flawless degree of reliability in the event, experiencing only a tire puncture and a minor problem with the headlights through the entire event. This was all in spite of extremely warm temperatures which scuttled both drivers and cars.
Even though he had to contend with limited opportunities for dry running before qualifying, due to heavy rains on Wednesday hampering the 6-hour free practice, Stefan Mucke still got Aston Martin an eighth place qualification to begin the race. During the first half of the Le Mans, Aston Martin's 008 car piloted by Anthony Davidson, Darren Turner and Jos Verstappen held close to its sibling, even attaining a third place position during a certain point on Saturday evening.
Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre, a partner of Aston Martin since 2004, took the opportunity of the 77th Le Mans 24 Hours to introduce a pair of limited edition AMVOX timepieces. Produced from grade-5 titanium or titanium with a PVD finish, the new Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 Chronograph Racing watch measures 44mm in diameter. The casebacks of both models showcase the inscription "Aston Martin Racing", the numbers 007 and 009 to signify the LOLA cars prepared for the Le Mans race, and the years 1959-2009. Dials cut away in the center reveal the complex Jaeger-LeCoultre 751E movement, and also show off carbon fiber accents which are unique to these models. Operation of the self-wound mechanical chronograph is completely unconventional and follows that debuted in the revolutionary Jaeger-LeCoultre AMOVX2 DBS Chronograph. A press by the user on the crystal at 12 o'clock governs stopping and starting of the chronograph, while a press at 6 o'clock resets the functions back to zero. Both variations of the AMVOX2 Chronograph Racing are water resistant to 50 meters, and feature convex sapphire crystals and sporty straps in perforated leather.
"Aston Martin, a legendary marque and the ultimate symbol of fine automobile mechanics; and Jaeger-LeCoultre, the benchmark in fine watchmaking, were bound to meet", said Jerome Lambert, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre. "Our current cooperation with Aston Martin and Aston Martin Racing is not just about supporting the best team. It is a matter of passionate dedication to the quest for excellence."
Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin stated: "Our partnership with Jaeger- LeCoultre demonstrates the power of a long term alliance between complimentary brands, based on shared values and mutual respect. I am delighted that Jaeger-LeCoultre is further strengthening our relationship with their commitment to our ambitious LMP1 program. Racing has been, and still is at the heart of Aston Martin. Our cars today are subtle, elegant and handcrafted but they still have the genes for competition. I am happy that we have found partners who, with their support, will enable us to compete at the highest level of endurance racing. We will put all our heart and skill behind this project to demonstrate the essence of Aston Martin: Power, Beauty and Soul."
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