Aston Martin Racing driver Maxime Martin says he will not hold back against team-mates Nicki Thiim and Marco Sorensen in the GTE Pro decider at Bahrain.
The British manufacturer has already locked up the manufacturer’s title in GTE Pro after taking the class victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but both cars head into this weekend’s 8 Hours of Bahrain with the driver’s title still on the line.
Thiim and Sorensen currently hold the lead in the standings, having scored 157 points throughout the season. In second place sit their team-mates Martin and Alex Lynn, twelve points down.
Lynn will not be racing in Bahrain and has been replaced by Richard Westbrook, but regular co-driver Martin is still in contention.
Speaking to invited media ahead of the 8 Hours of Bahrain, Martin explained that he needs a win in order to have any chance at the title, and will push as much as he can to try and win the title.
“For our car, the 97 car, we have to go all in,” Martin said. “The only chance we have to win the championship is to win the race here. No matter what happens, we have to win the race.
“So for sure, we will take all the risks, we will push as much as we can against 95 and against the others.
“We have to try to win the race, so at the end… we have the manufacturer’s title, which is the most important thing for Aston Martin Racing.
So now, we are free to race and try to beat each other to win the race here.”
For his part, championship leader Nicki Thiim says that he likewise will not hold back if it comes down to a straight battle between the two cars.
“I don’t hope it’s going to come down to that situation, but man, you only live once,” said Thiim. “You’ve only got this chance once, so I’m definitely going to send it if it comes that far.”
