Aston Martin eyes Le Mans return.

British sportscar brand Aston Martin could be joining the ranks of Le Mans starters in the near future, following the unveiling of plans to take the company to the top of its market.

A sister brand to Jaguar under the Ford umbrella, Aston Martin is as well known for its role in the James Bond movies as it is in motorsport, but new chief executive Ulrich Bez has hinted that a return to racing plays a big part in the shake-up he has planned for the marque.

Track action will only follow a series of changes aimed at improving - and expanding - production, including taking the entire build process to Gaydon, the technological centre which already houses company overseer, Ford's Premier Automotive Group.

According to Britain's Financial Times newspaper, Bez also hopes to introduce a new entry-level model to the Aston range, with the anticipated Ferrari-beating 'AM305' spearheading the return to sportscar racing. Le Mans and the classic American endurance races would be the first target for the new car, according to reports, but the company is currently seeking sponsorship partners before anything can be firmed up.

Following the relocation to Gaydon, Aston's current production plant at Bloxham, in the motorsport heartland of Oxfordshire, could be earmarked to house its racing activities. The transfer to Gaydon is not expected to be completed for some five years, however, placing time constraints on the return of Aston to competition.

The marque has a history in motorsport, including several class and overall wins in sportscars, but has not competed in modern championships racing since the Group C days of the 1980s, when it provided engines for the Nimrod and EMKA entries. Older models, such as the DB3 and 4 and unique DP212 still turn out at historic events, however.