SimplyAbuDhabi XLIII

The Vantage GT3 is the first product of the pioneering collaboration between Aston Martin Racing (AMR) and Aston Martin Performance Technologies (AMPT). Devel- oped to a strict set of objectives set by AMPT and implemented by AMR, the new Vantage GT3 upgrades centred upon addressing some of the old car’s more challenging handling characteristics with the aim of making the new GT3 as driveable as possible for both professional and amateur drivers alike. An extensive development programme – including a gruelling 30-hour test – was completed late last year with a combination of Aston Martin’s contracted professional drivers, plus selected amateur racers. All reported the new Vantage GT3 to be a su- per-fast-yet-forgiving machine with no vices and a usefully wide set-up window that’s perfectly suited to the unique demands and ultra-competitive nature of top-level GT racing. As lead engineer on the GT3 programme, Aston Martin Racing’s Head of Performance Gustavo Betelli was charged with ensuring the Vantage GT3 delivered the desired com- bination of ultimate pace and approachability. Finding that sweet spot while staying within the FIA’s tightly prescribed and strictly policed Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations was key to hitting AMPT’s transformative objectives: “The focus on the newVantage GT3 was to increase their performance window and make something that would work at any circuit, on any tyre and with any driver. We also had to work to the new regulations, so this required additional changes,” he explained. 256 | Simply Abu Dhabi