Currently reading: Could the Aston Martin AM-RB 001 race at Le Mans?

New hypercar is said to be able to lap Silverstone at F1 pace; could it compete in the experimental class at Le Mans?

The headline-grabbing claim of Aston boss Andy Palmer that the AM-RB 001 will be capable of lapping Silverstone as fast as a Formula 1 car implies that the car wouldn’t be left wanting for pace in competitive racing.

Given the car’s passing similarity to a Le Mans Prototype, it is feasible for a rollcage and other safety equipment to be installed in the cabin.

The sticking point could be which championship it would be eligible for. Adrian Newey relished this challenge because he wasn’t constrained by the strict regulations that have tempered some of his most innovative ideas in F1.

Although it couldn’t enter the Le Mans 24 Hours against Porsche, Audi and Toyota because it doesn’t meet the rules, perhaps AM-RB 001 could be a candidate for Garage 56 at Le Mans, the invitation entry reserved for innovative projects.

After all, company boss Andy Palmer has form, entering the narrow-track ZEOD RC hybrid in Garage 56 in 2014 during his previous career at Nissan.

Read more:

Aston and Red Bull AM-RB 001 hypercar revealed - exclusive pictures

Why the AM-RB 001 could be the car that defines a decade

Q&A with Aston Martin chief desinger, Miles Nurnberger

Q&A with Red Bull racing tech chief, Adrian Newey

More info on the interior, track version and whether an AM-RB 002 could happen

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