Vettel to drive 100-year-old car as part of Aston Martin anniversary

Ewan Gale
Wednesday 20 July 2022 14:50

Sebastian Vettel will drive one of Aston Martin's original grand prix cars as the manufacturer marks its centenary at Paul Ricard this weekend.

The anniversary will be celebrated at the French Grand Prix with a demonstration run by four-time F1 champion Vettel in the 1922 TT1 'Green Pea' ahead of the race.

Aston Martin's first grand prix car made its debut in Strasbourg for the French GP on July 15, 1922 - meaning the calendar fittingly allows the celebrations to take place in the same country.

Previewing the weekend's action, Vettel said: "Paul Ricard's high-speed corners should gain an added dimension with these ground-effect cars, and the lower-speed corners will provide a challenge for everybody.

"The previous weekends have not always been kind to us for one reason or another, so it would be nice to pick up some momentum before the summer break."

On his chance to drive the TT1, Vettel added: "Finally, I am passionate about the history of the sport, so it will be really special to drive one of Aston Martin's original 1922 grand prix cars this weekend."

Stroll hoping for change in fortunes

The AMR22 has looked more competitive since a raft of upgrades were added in Spain, but qualifying has let both Vettel and Lance Stroll down in the quest for solid points.

Stroll has failed to score since his home race in Canada but is hopeful of a change in fortunes to celebrate Aston Martin's landmark.

"It is a special event for the team with Aston Martin's 100th anniversary celebrations," said Stroll.

"Hopefully, we will be able to come away with a good result this weekend."

Where our Grand Prix story began.

100 years ago, @astonmartin made its Grand Prix racing debut at the 1922 #FrenchGP. Louis Zborowski drove the TT1, affectionately nicknamed ‘Green Pea’, while Clive Gallop piloted the TT2 in the 60-lap, 800km race at Strasbourg.#AstonMartin pic.twitter.com/6jTmdAt234

— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) July 16, 2022