Moss in his familiar white helmet
Sir Stirling Moss – Britain’s most celebrated racing driver – will later this month be re-united with the iconic Aston Martin DBR1 that he drove in the 1950s, helping Aston Martin to victory in the 1959 World Sportscar Championship.
The Englishman will drive DBR1/2 – the car that claimed victory in the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours – at this year’s Le Mans Legends race, which takes place before the start of the endurance classic on Saturday 16 June. Moss will share the car with Dr Ulrich Bez, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin.
Moss drove for Aston Martin at Le Mans three times, making his debut with the team in a DB3S for the 1956 race, before competing with a DBR1 in 1958 and 1959. Also in the DBR1, he claimed wins at the 1958 and 1959 Goodwood Tourist Trophy, as well as at the Nurburgring 1000 kilometres in Germany. After a brief test, the 77 year-old is looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of one of Aston Martin’s most famous cars in order to demonstrate it to the public.
He commented: “I tested the DBR1 at Silverstone last Friday and it felt wonderful. I am delighted to have the opportunity to race at Le Mans again.
Dr Bez said: “I’m sure every racing enthusiast in the world would love to see Sir Stirling and the DBR1 in action again, and I am delighted that so many will have the opportunity at Le Mans this year, 48 years after they last appeared there together. To partner Sir Stirling in the race is a dream and a great honour for me.”
The Legends race has become a quintessential part of the Le Mans experience. This year the one-hour race will feature over 50 of the finest sports cars ever to grace the track, including the Ford GT40, Ferrari 250LM, Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 and of course the Aston Martin DBR1.
Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of race organiser Motor Racing Legends, said: “Sir Stirling’s presence couldn’t be better news. He is a true motor sport hero to all generations, and a real legend outside the sport as well.”
After the Legends race a record six Aston Martin DBR9s will be competing in the 24-hour race at Le Mans in the GT1 class, for production-based sportscars.