Fernando Alonso, the legendary Spanish racing driver, has added another impressive automobile to his ever-growing collection. Alonso recently acquired the Vantage DTM, one of the five chassis built by R-Motorsport under a license from Aston Martin. This magnificent vehicle was purchased from engine builder HWA for an undisclosed amount. However, before the car was sold to Alonso, he requested a passenger seat to be installed by HWA. This modification involved reducing the size of the fuel tank to enable taxi rides. The Vantage DTM was officially handed over to Alonso during a fan event at the Jarama circuit near Madrid, attended by over 2,000 people.
After receiving the Vantage DTM, Alonso wasted no time in taking it for a test drive at the Aragon circuit. Just a few weeks earlier, Alonso had guided Aston Martin to a commendable fifth place in the 2023 F1 constructors’ standings. The test drive was an opportunity for Alonso to experience the full potential of the 650bhp Vantage. Accompanied by friends and family, he completed several laps of the 5.3km circuit. One notable figure present at the event was Marc Marquez, the six-time MotoGP champion. Marquez, also a fellow Spaniard, took the wheel of the Vantage to gain experience in prototype cars.
Daniel Juncadella, who was part of R-Motorsport’s 2019 DTM campaign, joined Alonso for the test drive. Juncadella revealed that Alonso was thoroughly impressed by the performance of the Vantage DTM. Despite his extensive experience in powerful cars, Alonso found the Vantage’s handling to be more responsive than expected. The directness of the steering and the car’s overall performance exceeded his initial expectations. Juncadella praised Alonso’s versatility, stating that he would drive any vehicle that presented a challenge and competition.
According to Juncadella, Alonso’s decision to purchase the Vantage DTM was influenced by its modifiability. The DTM Class 1 car is widely regarded as one of the best options for a taxi experience due to its ability to provide passengers with a genuine racing car sensation. While the Vantage DTM may not have an illustrious racing history, this did not deter Alonso. It is believed that Alonso’s interest in acquiring a DTM car was sparked by a conversation with Gerhard Berger, the former boss of the DTM series, about a potential guest outing. Additionally, Aston Martin’s F1 team principal, Mike Krack, previously worked on BMW’s M4 Class One car, adding to Alonso’s fascination.
Alonso’s purchase of the Vantage DTM has ignited increased interest in the remaining two cars that are still available for sale. HWA board member Gordian von Schoning expressed his enthusiasm for the vehicles finding new owners who will continue to enjoy and drive them. The fact that Alonso himself drives and enjoys the car has elevated the desirability and market value of these remaining Vantage DTMs.
A New Addition to His Collection
The Vantage DTM isn’t the only impressive vehicle that Alonso acquired towards the end of last year. He also added a new cross kart, built by LifeLive, to his collection. LifeLive is a company founded by Thierry Neuville’s brother, who is a prominent figure in the World Rally Championship. With these new additions, Alonso continues to expand his car collection, showcasing his enduring passion for motorsports.
Fernando Alonso’s acquisition of the Vantage DTM demonstrates his unwavering passion for racing and collecting iconic cars. The test drive at the Aragon circuit revealed the impressive performance of the Vantage, surpassing Alonso’s expectations. With increased interest in the remaining Vantage DTMs, there is no doubt that these magnificent machines will find passionate new owners. Alonso’s car collection continues to grow, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in the world of motorsports.
Leave a Reply