VIDEO: Onboard Aston Martin's V12 DBR9 Le Mans Winner

Le Mans, the world's oldest and arguably most prestigious endurance race, has seen countless legends etched into its history. Among the countless tales at this iconic track stands the DBR9, a symbol of British engineering and racing prowess.

Introduced in 2005, the DBR9 was not just another racing car; it was Aston Martin's declaration of intent to dominate the GT racing scene. Drawing inspiration from the DBR1, which clinched a win at Le Mans in 1959, the DBR9 carried the weight of history and the hope of a new era for Aston Martin racing. It was built upon the DB9 road car but was so much more than its progenitor. With a body primarily made of carbon-fiber composite, it was designed for speed, agility, and endurance.

Under its hood roared a 6.0-liter V12 engine, capable of delivering a staggering 600 horsepower. The raw power of the car, combined with its aerodynamic design, ensured that it was both a beauty and a beast. The reworked front splitter and significant rear wing ensured maximum downforce, crucial for the high-speed straights and tricky corners of the Le Mans circuit.

However, it's one thing to design and build a race car and quite another to ensure its success on the grueling 24-hour race that is Le Mans. The challenges of this race are unparalleled; it's not just about speed, but also about strategy, durability, and the seamless work of drivers and pit crews.

When the DBR9 first entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2005, expectations were high. The car showed promise but faced fierce competition. However, it was in 2007 and 2008 that the DBR9 truly showcased its mettle. The Aston Martin Racing team, with their Gulf-liveried DBR9s, achieved class victories in the GT1 category in both years, echoing the success of the DBR1 from almost half a century earlier.

These victories were not just a testament to the car's design and performance, but also to the relentless dedication of the team behind it. Racing through day and night, under varying weather conditions, and against the most formidable competitors, the DBR9's triumph at Le Mans was the culmination of years of research, development, and unyielding spirit.

Aston Martin development driver Darren Turner got the keys to the exact car that won Le Mans in 2007 for some more laps around the iconic Le Mans circuit, and lucky for us, there is this epic video taking us onboard with Darren as that V12 sings. Turn the volume up and check this out!