Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH Racer Shakes Down for WEC Campaign
The dream of putting an Aston Martin Valkyrie into competition is back on track as the first prototype hits Silverstone. Aston Martin’s new Valkyrie AMR-LMH racer has recently undergone its first shakedown test session in preparation for its highly anticipated WEC campaign next year. It has always been Aston Martin’s ambition to take their extreme road-based Valkyrie hypercar to the racing circuit, and after an initial setback with the cancellation of the racing program, Aston Martin Chairman Lawrence Stroll has successfully revived the project. Racing enthusiasts were treated to the thrilling sight of a Valkyrie in full racing trim on the track at Silverstone.
Design and Engineering Excellence
The new Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH will be designed and engineered by the Aston Martin Performance Technologies in-house racing team, The Heart of Racing. This dedicated team is responsible for fast-tracking the development of the Valkyrie in time for the 2025 WEC season, where Aston Martin will compete with two cars against formidable opponents such as Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Lamborghini, and other major full-works manufacturers.
Power and Performance
Under the hood of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH lies a lean-burn version of the road car’s Cosworth-built naturally aspirated V12 engine. In its road-specification, the engine boasts immense power that far exceeds the regulations for racing, necessitating a combination of de-tuning and Balance of Performance adjustments. This unique setup will make Aston Martin one of only two teams running a naturally aspirated combustion engine in the series, and the only LMH car without a hybrid drive element. The Valkyrie will also participate in the American IMSA series, showcasing its versatility and competitive spirit on a global stage.
Excitement and Pride
The Heart of Racing Team Principal Ian James expressed his pride and excitement at the successful shakedown tests for the Valkyrie AMR-LMH. He described the project as a labor of love that has been years in the making, culminating in the thrilling sight of the Valkyrie in action on the track. The team’s hard work and dedication have paid off, paving the way for a promising future in the world of endurance racing.
Road-Going Relation and Homologation
Unlike other LMH contenders, Aston Martin’s Valkyrie will have a direct road-going relation, as the track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro has evolved from the original road car. With no longer a production volume requirement to homologate a road-going version for entry into the WEC LMH class, Aston Martin stands out as the only LMH contender with a tangible link to its road car counterpart. This connection underscores Aston Martin’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation both on and off the track.
Expanding Racing Portfolio
The Valkyrie will join Aston Martin’s latest Vantage GT3LM racer, solidifying the British brand’s presence in both major factory-supported classes of the WEC. This strategic move demonstrates Aston Martin’s commitment to excellence in motorsport and showcases their diverse range of competitive racing offerings. With the Valkyrie and Vantage GT3LM at their disposal, Aston Martin is poised to make a significant impact on the global racing scene.
Innovative Technology and Performance
The Aston Martin Valkyrie represents a groundbreaking fusion of cutting-edge technology and unparalleled performance. With a staggering 1,139bhp at its disposal, the Valkyrie is a high-tech marvel that showcases Aston Martin’s prowess in the realm of performance cars. Its advanced engineering and meticulous attention to detail set new standards for hypercars, cementing Aston Martin’s reputation as a leader in automotive innovation.
Future Prospects and Expectations
As the Valkyrie AMR-LMH prepares for its WEC campaign, anticipation is high for the upcoming season. Fans and enthusiasts eagerly await the debut of the Valkyrie on the racing circuit, where it will undoubtedly captivate audiences with its speed, agility, and distinctive design. With Aston Martin’s rich racing heritage and unwavering commitment to excellence, the Valkyrie is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of endurance racing and solidify its place as a true icon of motorsport.
Conclusion
The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH’s successful shakedown tests mark a significant milestone in the brand’s racing ambitions. With its innovative design, powerful engine, and unwavering commitment to performance, the Valkyrie is poised to take the racing world by storm. As Aston Martin gears up for the 2025 WEC season, all eyes will be on the Valkyrie as it competes against the best in the industry. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking project as Aston Martin continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of motorsport.