Aston Martin V12 Zagato racing prototypes ready for action

Aston Martin has announced plans to enter two V12 Zagato prototypes in this weekend's 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The red car, named Zag, will be driven by Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin Nürburgring Test Center Director Wolfgang Schuhbauer and automotive journalists Horst von Saurma and Matthew Marsh. The green car, dubbed Zig, will be piloted by One-77 Chief Engineer Chris Porritt, experienced sports car driver Oliver Mathai, automotive journalist Richard Meaden and experienced amateur racer Peter Cate. Besides the two prototypes, Aston Martin has also entered a V8 Vantage GT4 which will be driven by Darren Turner, journalist Shinichi Katsura, Australian racer Rob Thomson and seasoned Nürburgring veteran Jurgen Stumpf. According to David King, Aston Martin's Head of Motorsport, "Our entries this year extend our Nürburgring racing philosophy. For five years now we have signed-off our new products by entering a car which is as close to the road car as possible and subjecting it to the toughest 24 hour test on what best simulates the extremities of public roads. This year we go a step further by testing a car at prototype stage." High-res photos: http://www.worldcarfans.com/111062234383/aston-martin-v12-zagato-racing-prototypes-ready-for-action