Aston Martin Announces Entry into World Endurance Championship with Valkyrie Hypercar
Aston Martin has recently made headlines by confirming its participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship with the iconic Valkyrie hypercar. After a brief setback in its Le Mans Hypercar aspirations, the British automaker is now gearing up to compete in the 2025 season with two Valkyrie LMH racers under the Heart of Racing team. This exciting development marks Aston Martin’s return to the top class of endurance racing, positioning the company as the sole manufacturer competing across sports car racing, GT racing, and Formula 1.
Features of the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH
While details on the specific modifications to the Valkyrie AMR-LMH compared to the road car are still pending confirmation, it has been revealed that the hypercar will utilize a race-optimized version of its carbonfiber chassis. Additionally, the vehicle will retain its impressive Cosworth-built 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, albeit in a ‘lean-burning’ configuration tailored to meet the performance and durability demands of the Hypercar class.
Under Le Mans Hypercar regulations, the V12 engine’s power output will be limited to a maximum of 630bhp, down from the 1000bhp generated by the road-going version. While the absence of a hybrid system similar to the road car’s setup may raise questions about the Valkyrie’s overall performance, the track-only AMR Pro variant serves as a testament to the hypercar’s capabilities without hybrid assistance.
Design Changes for the Valkyrie AMR-LMH
Given the stringent regulations governing the Le Mans Hypercar category, the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH has undergone significant design revisions to comply with the rules. Notable alterations include the removal of the curved endplates on the AMR Pro’s front splitter, replaced by more conventional brackets and aero elements throughout the vehicle’s exterior. The rear wing has also been revamped, trading the sculpted, full-width AMR Pro unit for a more traditional, angular design featuring additional vertical elements.
Moreover, a recent adjustment to the regulations mandates all manufacturers to field two cars in the top class starting from the 2025 season. As such, Aston Martin will be fielding two Valkyries in the competition, with the aim of securing victory at Le Mans and establishing a strong presence in the endurance racing circuit.
Development and Testing Progress
In preparation for its debut in the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship, the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH has already commenced testing at prominent circuits like Portimao and the Silverstone test facility. Initial shakedown and evaluation tests have provided valuable insights into the hypercar’s performance capabilities, setting the stage for a comprehensive development schedule leading up to FIA homologation later this year.
The Heart of Racing team, which oversees Aston Martin’s endurance racing program, has established its UK headquarters near the Silverstone facility to facilitate the Valkyrie’s development. Additionally, plans are in place to run a US-based IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Programme for the Valkyrie AMR-LMH in the GTP class, demonstrating the global reach of Aston Martin’s racing ambitions.
Conclusion
As the countdown to the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship continues, anticipation is building for the official track debut of the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH. With its distinctive design, potent V12 engine, and unwavering commitment to performance excellence, the Valkyrie hypercar is poised to make a significant impact on the endurance racing landscape. As Aston Martin sets its sights on Le Mans glory and a successful campaign in the WEC, the stage is set for a thrilling season of competition and innovation in the world of motorsport.