Aston Martin Vantage Adds 24 New Participants to 2023 AMR Driver Academy

Aston Martin Racing has announced Romain Leroux as the newest graduate of its AMR Driver Academy. The 20-year-old Parisian joins a distinguished roster of past graduates, including IMSA GTD Pro leader Ross Gunn, reigning IMSA GTD champion Roman De Angelis, works driver Valentin Hasse Clot, and former British GT4 champion Tom Canning.

Leroux, the 2021 FFSA GT4 champion and a runner-up in the 2022 ADAC GT4 series, was distinguished in 2022 for his remarkable consistency across various categories, his attitude towards the Academy’s processes, and his eagerness to mentor less experienced Academy drivers.

For 2023, Leroux will advance to the Vantage GT3, competing alongside fellow AMR Academy candidates Jacob Riegel (Germany) and Jeff Kingsley (USA) in BULLITT Racing’s new GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup program.

This year’s Academy candidates will also be announced, continuing Aston Martin Racing’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent from its partner teams. The initiative is a key part of AMR’s effort to invest in and develop future motorsport skills.

The AMR Driver Academy offers a comprehensive learning platform, fine-tuned annually to effectively coach drivers early in their careers. Eligible candidates are between 17 and 26 years old and participate in Vantage GT3 and GT4 programs in recognized championships.

The successful graduate will receive financial support for their 2024 race season, along with tailored guidance and assistance from the factory. Exceptional candidates may also be invited to test a Vantage GT3 at the end of the 2023 season.

The Academy’s three-day seminar includes media training with FIA World Endurance Championship commentator Louise Beckett, simulator sessions at Base Performance, DNAFit assessments with personalized training and nutrition plans, Aston Martin Racing’s commercial training, and factory-based engineering workshops.

The judging panel, featuring three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner and 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona GTD class champion Darren Turner, four-time British GT champion Jonny Adam, former Academy winner Valentin Hasse Clot, AMR Head of Performance Gus Beteli, and Head of AMR Partner Racing Huw Tasker, will assess each driver’s ability to handle strategic, teamwork, commercial, and public relations responsibilities. The standout candidate will be recognized for their potential to excel in the future.