Aston Martin has started work on a new test centre at the Nurburgring race circuit in Germany just two months after opening its first purpose-built design studio at the company’s Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire.

The sports car specialist is converting an existing building at Meuspath, adjacent to the Nordschleife circuit, and the facility is expected to be operational by the end of May this year.

Aston Martin has used the 14-mile circuit for testing ride, handling, tyres, brakes and cooling systems, on all its new models. Each model is also subjected to a 10,000km high speed sign-off test on the circuit.

Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s CEO, said: “The Nûrburgring has played a vital part in improving the performance and durability of all modern Aston Martins.

“Our new test centre will allow us to further increase the performance of our cars and to share something of the unique Nordschleife experience with our customers.”

A CG rendering of the Aston Martin test centre at the Nurburgring.