Aston Martin is making a comeback to the FIA World Endurance Championship with a pair of hypercars, including an entry into the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race. The standout model in this return is the Valkyrie LMH, a cutting-edge creation born from a partnership with Heart of Racing, signaling a bold resurgence in endurance racing.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH, born from the collaboration with Cosworth, is engineered to meet the rigors of endurance racing. Sporting a potent 6.5-liter engine derived from the Valkyrie street car, this powerhouse churns out over 1,000bhp at an impressive 11,000rpm. Notably, this version ditches the hybrid powertrain seen in road cars to comply with the WEC’s hypercar category standards.
Competing against top brands like Toyota, Ferrari, Peugeot, BMW, and Alpine, Aston Martin is set to face the challenge head-on under the new 2025 regulations mandating a minimum of two cars per manufacturer. Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s head of endurance racing, underlined the brand’s rich legacy at Le Mans and its determination to lead the hypercar segment.
Carter expressed pride in the brand’s Le Mans heritage, stating, “The first time we raced at Le Mans was over 95 years ago, a feat unmatched by other road-going supercar manufacturers.” Aston Martin’s commitment to the series and upcoming endeavors has been solidified.
Carter further emphasized Aston Martin’s commitment to WEC’s hypercar concept, aiming to elevate the brand’s iconic wings in international sportscar racing, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Reports suggest that the development of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH is proceeding as planned, with a scheduled track premiere later this year. Carter detailed the rigorous testing regime that will precede its official competitive debut.
Heart of Racing Team principal Ian James echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for an expedited schedule to comply with the new WEC regulations.
Aston Martin’s transition to the new model signifies a significant shift, showcasing the brand’s distinctiveness in motorsport through its unwavering dedication across various racing classes. This commitment positions Aston Martin as a dominant force in the motorsport realm, from Hypercars to GT4s and even Formula 1, where legends like two-time champion Fernando Alonso grace the track.