The Le Mans season's not yet begun, but it already looks as if Aston Martin may be a juggernaut in the series. The company's already fielding cars in GT1, GT3 and GT4 classes , and we've learned of the new GT2-class Vantage. Yet for Aston, fielding cars in four classes apparently isn't enough. We've now learned that Aston Martin Racing will have a hand in at least one LMP1 car during this year's Le Mans series.

Granted, in this instance, Aston's serving mostly as a powertrain supplier. The car, a new Lola B08/60, will be powered by the same V-12 found under the GT1-class DBR9. Although Aston will work with Lola to fit the engine and provide engineering support during races, the car itself will be fielded by the Czech Charouz Racing Systems team.

Although it remains to be seen how viable a competitor the Aston-Lola will be, we're already excited with the possible showdown Aston could incite at Le Mans this year. We foresee another dogfight in GT1 between the effervescent Corvette team and the DBR9, but it'd be just as neat to watch an Aston shake down the dominating LMP1 diesels of Audi and Peugeot.

(Click through for Aston's release on its LMP1 entry)

ASTON MARTIN RELEASE

Aston Martin Racing will provide engines for the Charouz Racing Systems LMP1 entry at this year's Le Mans 24 Hours and in the Le Mans Series (LMS).

Aston Martin Racing and Charouz Racing Systems are taking advantage of new LMP regulations for 2008, which allow the use of a GT1 engine in a prototype chassis.

The team will use a new closed cockpit Lola chassis for 2008, fitted with the latest specification Aston Martin six litre V12 unit, which was used in the 2007 GT1 class winning DBR9. Aston Martin Racing will work with Lola to repackage the engine and drivetrain for the new chassis, while engineers from Aston Martin Racing will support the car on event.

Aston Martin Racing has contracted Tomas Enge, Stefan Mucke and Jan Charouz for the 2008 season. All three have been placed with Charouz Racing Systems and will race the Michelin-shod Lola/Aston Martin at Le Mans and in the LMS.

George Howard-Chappell, team principal for Aston Martin Racing, said: "The V12 unit has already proven that it has the performance and endurance to win at Le Mans. We are now looking forward to the challenge of repackaging it in a new lighter chassis and seeing how competitive it can be in the prototype class. It will be great new experience for me and all the team here at Aston Martin Racing."