Gaydon, UK – 19 May 2025
Aston Martin’s commitment to developing the next generation of GT racing talent intensifies as 23 young hopefuls from 14 countries join the ranks of the 2025 Aston Martin Racing Driver Academy. This globally sourced and carefully curated group of Vantage racers now embarks on a season-long development programme designed to refine not only their racing craft but also the commercial and strategic acumen required of modern professional drivers.
Now entering its ninth year, the AMR Driver Academy has cemented its reputation as a launchpad for future endurance champions, boasting a rich history of successful alumni including Ross Gunn, Roman De Angelis, and Valentin Hasse-Clot—all of whom now hold positions within Aston Martin’s elite works driver network.
“The Aston Martin Racing Driver Academy is now well proven and established, but it remains unique in its intense focus on driver development,” said Adam Carter, Aston Martin Head of Endurance. “It’s a vital tool for identifying and nurturing the best talent within our partner network.”
Global Talent, Shared Ambition
Representing a broad spectrum of international championships—from the FIA World Endurance Championship and GT World Challenge Europe to domestic series like GT Cup and GT4 America—the 2025 intake reflects the increasing reach and prestige of the AMR initiative. Among this year’s candidates are names already making waves, such as Eduardo Barrichello (BRA) competing in the FIA WEC with Racing Spirit of Léman, and 2024 Spa 24 Hours-winning team Comtoyou Racing fielding a trio of contenders: Nicolas Baert, Kobe Pauwels, and Antoine Potty.
The list of partner teams is equally illustrious, featuring top-tier outfits such as Nürburgring 24 Hours victors Walkenhorst Motorsport and IMSA-experienced van der Steur Racing, alongside key domestic forces like Feathers Motorsport, Mirage Racing, Volante Rosso, Racar Motorsport, and JMF Motorsport.
Proven Pathways to Professional Glory
The Academy’s credibility as a genuine career accelerator is undeniable. Its most recent graduate, Jamie Day, is currently contesting GT World Challenge Europe (Sprint and Endurance) with Comtoyou Racing and recently raced in the Asian Le Mans Series with Earl Bamber Motorsport. He also starred in the Bathurst 12 Hour earlier this year with Volante Rosso, underlining the calibre of opportunities available to successful alumni.
The Academy’s ultimate reward is more than just a title. The standout driver of the 2025 class will receive comprehensive support from Aston Martin Racing throughout their 2026 campaign—including financial assistance and the coveted opportunity to test a contemporary Vantage GT3 car.
More Than Just Racing
While race results certainly matter, the Academy’s approach goes far deeper. Candidates are assessed on their ability to manage media relations, commercial partnerships, fitness and nutrition, race craft, data analysis and technical feedback. A two-day development seminar in March laid the foundation, featuring simulator training at Base Performance, fitness assessments, media workshops led by WEC commentator Louise Beckett, and a technical deep-dive into the Vantage GT3 and GT4 platforms.
This holistic approach ensures the Academy graduate is not just the fastest, but also the most complete driver—ready for the rigours of professional GT competition.
A Panel of Motorsport Greats
The Academy’s judging panel brings decades of GT and endurance racing expertise to the table. Among them are Aston Martin legends Darren Turner and Jonny Adam, both Le Mans winners with formidable GT pedigrees, and Valentin Hasse-Clot, a former Academy graduate now serving as both a works driver and programme mentor. They’re joined by Head of AMR Academy Rachel Adam, Head of AMR Partner Racing Huw Tasker, and Head of Performance Gus Beteli.
Throughout the season, judges will receive continuous feedback from partner teams, engineers, and works drivers—ensuring a multi-dimensional evaluation of each driver’s performance both on and off the circuit.
2025 AMR Driver Academy Entrants (Selected Highlights)
| Driver | Country | Team | Series | Car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eduardo Barrichello | BRA | Racing Spirit of Léman | FIA WEC | GT3 |
| Declan Fraser | AUS | Volante Rosso | GT World Australia | GT3 |
| Rory van der Steur | USA | Van der Steur Racing | IMSA | GT3 |
| Archie Clark | GBR | Feathers Motorsport | GT Cup | GT4 |
| Jesse Webb | CAN | JMF Motorsport | GT4 America | GT4 |
| Oliver Söderström | SWE | Walkenhorst Motorsport | GT World Europe | GT3 |
| Jodie Sloss | GBR | Mirage Racing | FFSA GT4 | GT4 |
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season unfolds, the racing world will have its eyes on this dynamic new generation of Aston Martin racers. With opportunity, support, and world-class mentorship at their fingertips, the journey for these 23 hopefuls is just beginning. The ultimate question remains: who will rise above the rest to become the next Aston Martin Racing star?
One thing is certain—the road to the top starts here.
