There are few names quite as intrinsically tied to British motorsports and automotive performance as Aston Martin and Silverstone. So it may seem only fitting that the two are now coming together.
Aston has announced that it’s setting up a new test center at the circuit. The Aston Martin Test and Development Centre at Silverstone will serve as the company’s home base for developing its new models’ chassis dynamics and handling and, together with a new office in London, will bring Aston’s facilities across the UK to 10.
The company already has its global headquarters at Gaydon, its historic home (and base for the Aston Martin Works) at Newport Pagnell, and a joint facility with Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes.
Additionally, it also has a parts distribution center at Wolverton Mill, a purchasing and body assembly facility at Chase Point, the Special Vehicle Operations center at Wellesbourne, a new plant in St Athan (in Wales) and two offices in London, a brand center on Dover Street and its commercial operations hub at Soho Square.
“The company is now investing for growth across the Aston Martin and Lagonda brands,” said CEO Andy Palmer. “I am particularly pleased that we can now call Silverstone home for dynamic testing and development.”
“Every true performance car company needs a reference circuit and I can think of none more suitable than Silverstone,” added vehicle engineering chief Matt Becker. “It is the perfect location to develop the next-generation of Aston Martins.”
The new test center joins the Nurburgring performance facility that was recently rededicated as the home for Aston Martin Racing.