Aston Martin makes its return to elite endurance racing with the Valkyrie hypercar, debuting at the 2025 FIA WEC in Qatar. This marks the brand’s first appearance in the top class since 1989. The two-car driver lineup blends experience and youth, aiming for long-awaited victories. Additionally, Aston Martin will compete in the LMGT3 category with the Vantage GT3 to vie for the championship.
Aston Martin is set to make a significant splash in the world of endurance racing as it launches the Valkyrie hypercar at the opening round of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Qatar. The Valkyrie, conceived from a road-legal hypercar, is the only entry of its kind contesting both the WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. This premiere at the Qatar 1812km marks a historic return for Aston Martin to the top-tier racing category since the AMR1 in 1989.
The Valkyrie boasts a race-tuned carbon fiber chassis paired with a modified 6.5-liter Cosworth-developed V12 engine, producing over 1000 bhp yet confined to a 500 kw (680 bhp) limit in compliance with hypercar regulations. This marks Aston Martin’s commitment to returning to competitive racing after years of absence in the top class. The team aims to capture their first outright victory since 1959, the last time they triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The driver lineup showcases a blend of seasoned expertise and emerging talent. The 007 Valkyrie will feature Alex Riberas and Marco Sørensen, while Harry Tincknell and Tom Gamble will be alongside Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis in the 009 Valkyrie for demanding endurance races. This synergistic team effort aims to optimize performance through collaboration and shared experiences.
Each driver shares excitement about the forthcoming event. Harry Tincknell expressed enthusiasm for debuting the Valkyrie and emphasized the program’s significance. Tom Gamble underscored the support from the team, optimistic about a strong showing. Ian James, the team principal, recognized the historic nature of this debut while aiming for continuous improvement throughout the season.
In parallel, Aston Martin will pursue success in the LMGT3 category with the Vantage GT3, aiming to secure their 12th FIA WEC crown through The Heart of Racing team and newcomer Racing Spirit of Leman. This dual focus on both the hypercar and GT3 categories exemplifies Aston Martin’s ambition to reclaim its competitive standing across the endurance racing landscape.
In conclusion, Aston Martin’s introduction of the Valkyrie hypercar highlights a monumental moment in the brand’s racing history as it seeks to compete at the highest levels of endurance racing. With a strong driver lineup and strategic goals, the team is poised to reclaim success in both the WEC and IMSA competitions. The dual efforts in hypercar and GT3 classes demonstrate a comprehensive approach to achieving championship aspirations for the prestigious 2025 season.
Original Source: www.astonmartin.com
