Aston Martin's Triumphant Return: Valkyrie Hypercar to Blaze Through Le Mans
Gearheads and racing enthusiasts, hold your breath! Aston Martin has confirmed that the legendary Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercar will be making a roaring comeback to the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), including the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. While Aston Martin’s return to Le Mans isn’t breaking news, what they’re bringing to the track is causing quite the stir. This British automaker has a storied history at Le Mans, and the 2025 season promises to be another thrilling chapter.
The Official Announcement
In a bold statement, Aston Martin confirmed that two Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercars would participate in every race of the 2025 FIA WEC. This comes on the heels of a joint statement from the FIA and the Le Mans organizer, Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), mandating that all manufacturers must field at least two cars in the Hypercar class starting next year. The grid may be set, but sheer effort on Aston Martin's part doesn’t guarantee their entries will be accepted. “The Valkyrie AMR-LMH program is on schedule with a significant amount of development taking place behind the scenes and ahead of the car’s track debut later this summer,” said Adam Carter, Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport. “We are doing all we can to ensure that we can fight at the front of [the grid].”
A Storied Legacy
Aston Martin is no stranger to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The automaker has graced the racetrack for over 95 years, boasting a recent victory in 2020. However, that win came in the LM GTE Pro and Am classes with the Vantage AMRs, not in the overall race. The last time Aston Martin clinched an overall victory was back in 1959, with none other than Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori at the helm. Yes, that Carroll Shelby.
Technical Marvel
For the 2025 race season, Aston Martin, in collaboration with its works partner Heart of Racing, plans to field Valkyrie AMR-LMHs powered by a modified version of the naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 Cosworth engine, initially designed for its road-going counterpart. Amazingly, this engine produces over 1,000 horsepower and revs up to 11,000 rpm. Although the Valkyrie’s battery-electric hybrid system typically found in the production car will be omitted (as was done with the Valkyrie AMR Pro race cars), numerous adjustments will be made to comply with Balance of Performance rules and regulations.
Expanding Horizons
The spectacle isn’t limited to just European shores; American endurance race fans are in for a treat, too. The ambitious campaign includes participation in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class, bringing the high-octane action to a wider audience. This dual-pronged approach reaffirms Aston Martin’s strength and ambition across major endurance racing platforms.
From its inception, the Valkyrie project has stirred excitement and controversy. But this upcoming foray into worldwide endurance championships may just solidify Aston Martin's standing in racing folklore. The endeavor represents not just a race, but a testament to engineering brilliance, relentless ambition, and the relentless pursuit of victory. Stay tuned, as the 2025 season promises to be electrifying, both on and off the tracks.
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