Aston Martin, in collaboration with its works team Heart of Racing, is set to make a triumphant return to the top class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2025. The ultra-luxury British sportscar brand will enter two Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercars, aiming for its first overall win since 1959.
The entry of two Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercars in the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) follows a regulatory update by Le Mans organizers and the FIA, mandating that each manufacturer must field at least two cars in the Hypercar class starting in 2025.
Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance Motorsport, Adam Carter, highlighted the brand’s long-standing connection with endurance racing, dating back over 95 years. “We are committed to WEC’s hypercar concept and bringing our famous Wings back to the forefront of international sportscar racing,” Carter stated. The Valkyrie AMR-LMH program is progressing well, with the car’s track debut slated for later this summer.
The race-optimized Valkyrie AMR-LMH will feature a modified 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine from Cosworth, tuned to meet the demands of long-distance racing. Development and testing of the car are ongoing, with significant evaluations already conducted at Silverstone and Portimao circuits.
Heart of Racing has established a UK headquarters for its WEC program, in close proximity to the Aston Martin Performance Technologies base in Silverstone, which oversees the Valkyrie’s design and development. Additionally, Heart of Racing plans to enter the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship in the US, competing in the GTP class from its Phoenix headquarters.
Team Principal Ian James expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge, stating, “The prospect of having two cars in the WEC Hypercar class is immensely exciting. We look forward to being part of a class that offers amazing racing and fan interaction.”
With this initiative, Aston Martin reaffirms its commitment to endurance racing, ensuring a presence across all levels of sportscar and GT racing, from Hypercar to GT4, as well as in the FIA Formula 1® World Championship. This historic return to Le Mans underscores Aston Martin’s legacy and dedication to motorsport excellence.
Source: Aston Martin
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