Aston Martin Tests Valkyrie for 2025 Le Mans Return

Aston Martin has started testing its new hypercar, the AMR-LMH Valkyrie in preparation for its return to the Le Mans 24 Hours race in 2025. This marks their first attempt at the top-tier race since 2011 with their last outright win occurring back in 1959. The team, managed by Heart of Racing joins several other manufacturers in the World Endurance Championship’s hypercar class which has significantly boosted the popularity of sportscar racing.

Notably, two Valkyries will compete at Le Mans aiming to challenge Ferrari’s 499P car which won in 2024. In addition, Aston Martin will utilize their factory-made chassis in the IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship in the U.S. including the Daytona 24 Hours. Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s head of endurance motorsport expressed satisfaction with the Valkyrie’s early testing results.

The hypercar class allows manufacturers to compete using diverse design philosophies under a ‘balance of performance’ regulation, thus equalizing power output. Participants in this class can either purchase a customer chassis or build an original factory chassis.  Aston Martin’s Valkyrie, for instance, features a 6.5-litre V12 Cosworth engine which has been developed alongside their Formula 1 team near Silverstone.

Furthermore, the resurgence of sportscar racing has attracted several former F1 drivers, including 2009 champion Jenson Button, who praised the technical advancements of hypercars.  Additionally, current Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso, a two-time Le Mans winner with Toyota and former driver Sebastian Vettel, who tested a Porsche hypercar, highlight the growing crossover between F1 and endurance racing.

In summary, Aston Martin’s return to Le Mans with the Valkyrie, coupled with the broader context of the hypercar class, underscores a significant shift and revitalization in sportscar racing.