David Richards has been named this year’s “Spirit of Le Mans” winner, with the Prodrive Chairman and President of Aston Martin set to to be honored during next Friday’s ACO press conference.

Richards masterminded Aston Martin’s return to Le Mans in 2005, with the British manufacturer having claimed three class victories in the race since.

While it included a short foray into LMP1 with the failed AMR-One, Aston Martin has become a mainstay in GT racing, having announced earlier this year a long-term commitment to the WEC and the French endurance classic.

Richards history with Le Mans, however, began in 2002 with Prodrive-run Ferrari 550 Maranellos, which claimed a dominant GTS class victory the following year.

With Mark Webber serving as Grand Marshal, the ACO has not yet announced the honorary starter for next weekend’s race.