Aston Martin hour 21 report

After 21 hours: Le Mans 24 Hours set for dramatic finale

In recent years the Le Mans 24 Hours has often contained a final twist and 2008 is no exception, with intermittent localised rain falling on certain parts of the La Sarthe circuit. With the GT1-leading DBR9 009 still holding a small advantage over the Corvette, every decision has now become crucial. If there is a wrong call on the tyres, there will be no chance to come back into the pits and change again without losing the lead.

More than ever, these closing stages of the 76th Le Mans 24 Hours are illustrating that endurance racing is a true team sport. Darren Turner is currently driving the car, but he is backed up by constant support from the Aston Martin Racing technicians on the radio, and track condition updates from his team mate in the 007 car.

"You drive to a completely different set of rules in this situation," he said. "You don't try to be competitive; you just try to be safe and consistent. Even if you drop a few seconds a lap to your rivals, it doesn't matter."

Although Darren (along with David Brabham) formed part of the 009 crew that won the GT1 class at Le Mans last year, he doesn't necessarily assume that the experience will make it any easier this time round.

The 007 car is still going strongly in fourth place, now with Heinz-Harald Frentzen behind the wheel. With the end so closely in sight all the drivers are having to be careful - as many of the leading crews are getting caught out by on the slippery surfaces.

-credit: am