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'DBR9 - The Definitive History', the book: relive the legend

The Aston Martin DBR9 was a GT1 race car built by Aston Martin Racing that raced from 2005 until the demise of the GT1 class in 2011. To celebrate and document this car, a high-end book has just been published: 'DBR9 - The Definitive History'.

Aston Martin Racing Aston Martin DBR9

Aston Martin Racing Aston Martin DBR9

Eric Gilbert

Book presentation: DBR9 The Definitive History
Book presentation: DBR9 The Definitive History
Book presentation: DBR9 The Definitive History
Book presentation: DBR9 The Definitive History
Book presentation: DBR9 The Definitive History
Book presentation: DBR9 The Definitive History
Book presentation: DBR9 The Definitive History

Christmas 2012 arrived early this year at the Motorsport.com office in Miami when we received a special delivery straight from Germany, from TAG Books. The packaged contained a large format book for review: 'DBR9 - The Definitive History'. And to be honest, I don't even know where to begin and how to sound objective, as this masterpiece is close to perfection. As a matter of fact, my own opinion on this book is so high that this article might seem like an infomercial - but trust me, it is not and is a straight objective review.

All about the Aston Martin DBR9 GT1

To start with, this epic book focuses on one specific race car: Aston Martin DBR9 GT1. Written by Christoph Mäder and Thomas Gruber, it is a detailed, comprehensive and passionate printed opus on a car that represents so many things. The two authors have been around and know everything there is to know about this car: both were involved with the Jetalliance Racing program in the mid-2000 at the management level (Mäder) and as a driver (Gruber). Their DBR9 GT1 program was met with success too, with a podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2009. So they know what they're talking about.

On to the book, now. First, the DBR9 symbolizes the return of Aston Marin in motor racing. The name itself comes from late 50s DBR1, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans the World Sportscar Championship in 1959. So, the DBR9 already had some legacy and prestige when it was introduced. Also, it was based on the already acclaimed Aston Martin DB9 road car.

Homage to the GT1 class

It is also a prime example of a race car specification that is no longer but is already somewhat missed. The GT1 (or LMGT1) specification paved the way for one of the most spectacular and brutal GT race cars ever made: from the Corvette C6.R to the Ford GT, and including of course the Aston Martin DBR9. Among other wins, the factory AMR-entered DBR9 took two LMGT1 class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in 2007 and 2008.

This book goes into major details on how the DBR9 program came about, how the car was developed and which teams and drivers raced it. The story is told into countless stories and anecdotes, as well as factual elements.

Spectacular form factor

The form is also spectacular and the authors have made creative use of overlaid transparent films (amazingly done) to capture the technical details of the car, as well as multi-page spreads to give a clear visual representation of the timeline of the DBR9. And of course, there are plenty of spectacular photos to document the whole story. The whole thing is just impeccable.

The book is structured into three distinct segments:

  • 1. The development process of the race car and its technology in detail
  • 2. Review and insight into the Aston Martin Racing campaign. Exclusive interviews with the factory supported and customer car teams.
  • 3. Comprehensive statistics assigned to the individual chassis numbers, drivers and teams.

It features:

  • 296 pages in large format 28 x 33 cm
  • 6 color print
  • Book delivered in slipcase
  • Detailed 3D photo-realistic visualizations
  • Technical drawings and renderings
  • Over 400 mostly unreleased pictures
  • Multiple special pages and fold-out pages

In conclusion

'DBR9 - The Definitive History' will be praised by Aston Martin owners and fans alike. It is not only an invaluable source of information on the DBR9 program but also a luxury product - the next best thing to actually owning an Aston Martin.


For more pictures of the book, click here.

For more pictures of the Aston Martin DBR9, click here.

For more info and to order 'DBR9 - The Definitive History', click here.

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