Aston Martin race competition announced

Following the announcement of two new Aston Martin dealerships in Shanghai and Beijing, the company has unveiled plans for a one-make race series in Asia.

Called the Aston Martin Asia Cup 2008, the series will consist of 12 races throughout the Asia Pacific region including China, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore - with a grid of 18 Astons lining up for each event.

"When we announced plans to build the Vantage N24 for customers in 2006 we were very confident it would make a great choice for a one-make series," said Dr Ulrich Bez, chief executive officer, Aston Martin.

"I am delighted that we are able to announce the Aston Martin Asia Cup for 2008, it will help greatly in communicating our brand values, performance, and product durability in this exciting new market," he added.

Aston Martin Vantage N24s will be used for the tournament - in essence a 4.3 litre race-developed evolution of the V8 Vantage which has been proven in endurance and sprint races in Europe and the Middle East.

The races will take the form of 30 minute sprint races, as well as longer endurance formats, with some events taking place in conjunction with F1 races.

Ian Ross Geekie will direct the series, bringing a wealth of motorsport experience as a series organiser, team manager and race driver in the Asia Pacific region.

In addition to prize money and trophies, the overall winner of the Aston Martin Asia Cup series will be awarded a sponsored drive in a Vantage N24 in the FIA GT4 series in 2009.