The ASToN MArTiN CeNTeNAry MeeTiNg reVS iNTo BrANdS hATCh ThiS weekeNd

James Bond’s car of choice, the Aston Aston Martin, Martin, turned 100 this year and to celebrate Brands Brands Hatch Hatch is throwing a giant birthday party

To celebrate 100 years of one of the world’s most famous cars, Brands Hatch is holding a Aston Martin Centenary Meeting this weekend. The car maker’s big screen association with Bond will be celebrated in a themed collection, with replicas of vehicles driven in the films throughout the decades. More classic Aston Martins will be on display in a Centenary Timeline featuring greats from the past and present, with Le Mans-style sports cars joining the factory’s current GT. And there will be an added star attraction at the Kent circuit in the shape of former F1 driver and now Aston Martin GT racer Bruno Senna. The Brazilian, nephew of Grand Prix legend Ayrton Senna, will be driving the GTE GT racecar around the track on Sunday, July 7, before presenting trophies to the winners of two centenary races. The first race is open to pre-1963 Aston Martins and the other to all Aston Martin Racing GT cars from the last decade. Senna will sign autographs for fans at 11am at the Aston Martin Racing hospitality area and attend the pit walk, which starts at 9.10am. He said: “I’m really excited about the meeting and it will be an honour to be part of this event. It will be amazing to drive the Aston Martin GTE on the full Grand Prix circuit and I’m sure the fans will enjoy it!” Other entertainment will include a funfair and adventure playground and there will even be action in the sky when the Red Devils parachute team drop in.

The Aston Martin first appeared on screen with James Bond in 1964’s Goldfinger starring Sean Connery

Bruno Senna with his Aston Martin GT racer