Aston Martin’s Valkyrie Le Mans Hypercar has recently made its debut during the World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar Championship test programme for its anticipated 2025 debut. The highly anticipated car, the first Aston Martin to challenge for a Le Mans 24 Hours victory since 2011, was tested at the Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit and Donington Park by a team of experienced drivers. The car, powered by a bespoke Cosworth-developed V12 engine, covered over 300 miles during the tests, marking the beginning of an intensive development programme in Europe and North America.
The Early Tests
The initial systems check for the Valkyrie AMR-LMH was conducted earlier this month on the Stowe school circuit at Silverstone with former Aston driver Stefan Mucke at the wheel. Official photographs released by Aston from the Donington Park test show the car running in a camouflage livery, showcasing its non-hybrid design. The tests were carried out by long-time Aston Martin driver Darren Turner, Heart of Racing regular Mario Farnbacher, and Harry Tincknell, contracted to Multimatic Motorsports.
Positive Results and Future Plans
Head of endurance motorsport at Aston, Adam Carter, expressed satisfaction with the tests, stating that the car is meeting the criteria set out for it. The HoR team principal, Ian James, described the tests as a proud moment for the programme and emphasized the team’s commitment to represent Aston Martin at the highest level. Aston’s communication hinted at a competitive debut for the car in early 2025, potentially bypassing the Daytona 24 Hours IMSA season-opener in January.
Homologation and Racing Plans
Aston Martin aims for the homologation of the car in the autumn of this year, potentially allowing it to compete at Daytona. HoR is set to field a pair of AMR-LMHs in the WEC and a single entry in IMSA in line with the new rules for 2025. The team’s goal is to successfully compete against the best and showcase the capabilities of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH on the track.
Overall, the Valkyrie Le Mans Hypercar represents a significant venture for Aston Martin and the Heart of Racing team, marking a new era for the brand in endurance racing. The successful completion of the initial tests and the upcoming development programme are crucial steps towards achieving their goal of competing at the highest level in the WEC and IMSA championships. With experienced drivers and a dedicated team behind the project, the Valkyrie AMR-LMH is poised to make a lasting impression on the endurance racing landscape in the coming years.