A new chapter in motorsport history is about to be written. The Aston Martin Valkyrie, the British ultra-luxury performance brand’s first Le Mans Hypercar (LMH), is set to make its global race debut at the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) opener – the Qatar 1812km at Lusail International Circuit. This monumental event marks not only the hypercar’s first appearance on the world stage but also positions Aston Martin to challenge the best in endurance racing.
A Unique Blend of Road and Race
In a groundbreaking fusion of road-legal DNA and track-focused engineering, the Valkyrie stands apart as the only hypercar in the premier WEC category derived directly from a street-ready model. Engineered by Aston Martin Performance Technologies and The Heart of Racing, the competition version marries a race-optimised carbon fibre chassis with a modified 6.5-litre, Cosworth-developed V12 naturally aspirated engine. Capable of revving up to 11,000rpm and producing over 1,000bhp in its standard form, the car is meticulously regulated to adhere to the hypercar class’s strict 500kW (680bhp) limit.
This revolutionary approach ensures that the Valkyrie carries the unmistakable spirit of its road-going counterpart into the fierce arena of endurance racing. As the only LMH to contest both the FIA WEC and North America’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the car is set to redefine expectations and test the limits of performance and reliability on the global stage.
Returning to the Pinnacle of Endurance Racing
Aston Martin’s return to the top echelon of world championship sportscar racing is steeped in heritage. The Valkyrie’s debut heralds Aston Martin’s re-entry into the elite class for the first time since the days of the AMR1 Group C challenger in 1989. More significantly, it provides the brand with a tantalising opportunity: a shot at clinching an overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans – a feat last achieved by the legendary DBR1 in 1959.
The Valkyrie’s entry is driven by the works Aston Martin THOR team, a name synonymous with racing pedigree. The team’s ambition is palpable, and its mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent underscores a future built on both tradition and innovation.
An All-Star Driver Line-Up
The debut campaign boasts a formidable driver roster spread over a two-car programme. The #007 Valkyrie is piloted by an all-British team featuring Harry Tincknell and rising star Tom Gamble. Joining them for the longer-distance challenges, including Qatar and Le Mans, is IMSA stalwart Ross Gunn, whose decade-long association with Aston Martin brings invaluable experience to the squad.
The #009 car is equally impressive, helmed by triple FIA GT world champion Marco Sørensen alongside long-time THOR racer Alex Riberas. For the endurance-demanding rounds, including the Qatar race, the lineup is bolstered by Roman De Angelis, the 2022 IMSA GTD Champion, ensuring that both entries are equipped to adapt and excel as the season unfolds.
Reflecting on the significance of the project, Harry Tincknell remarked,
“I’m massively looking forward to Qatar, to get to race the new Valkyrie Hypercar for the first time and to return to Aston Martin. The world is waiting with anticipation to see the car ‘in the flesh’ and it’s amazing to be a part of a programme that has generated such interest.”
Similarly, Tom Gamble expressed his excitement:
“It’s a dream come true to make my Hypercar debut with Aston Martin THOR Team. There’s a lot of learning to do, but with an amazing team behind us, we’re ready to challenge for a strong result on our debut.”
For Ross Gunn, a ten-year veteran of the team, the event represents both a career milestone and a collective ambition:
“This is a huge moment for Aston Martin and THOR. We’re here to learn as much as we can and build a package strong enough to compete at the highest level.”
Engineering Excellence Meets Heritage
At the heart of the Valkyrie is not just raw power, but also a nod to the technological innovation that has always defined Aston Martin. The hypercar’s development is a testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit of performance excellence. Director of Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport, Adam Carter, encapsulated the sentiment:
“The Valkyrie Hypercar is a moment in time in automotive history. It races to underline its technological achievement while staying true to the DNA of the road car. Our aim isn’t just to compete – it’s to win against the best, and that’s what drives us.”
While the Valkyrie is set to dominate the hypercar division, Aston Martin is not standing still in other categories. The iconic Vantage GT3, sharing mechanical architecture with the road-going Vantage, is also gearing up for battle in the LMGT3 class. Developed on Aston Martin’s proven bonded aluminium chassis and powered by a ferocious twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, the Vantage GT3 is poised to continue the marque’s legacy of success. The entry is fielded by two dynamic partner teams – The Heart of Racing (THOR) and Racing Spirit of Léman – each bringing their own championship pedigree to the fray.
Partnering for a Dominant Season
The dual approach of contesting both the Hypercar and LMGT3 divisions underscores Aston Martin’s comprehensive strategy for the 2025 season. The THOR team, with its deep racing roots and recent successes, is primed to make a significant impact. Under the stewardship of Team Principal Ian James, whose experience spans multiple sportscar championships, the team is laser-focused on continuous improvement, race by race.
In the LMGT3 class, the Vantage entry builds on its recent triumphs, including a podium finish at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. With accomplished drivers such as Mattia Drudi, Zacharie Robichon, and Racing Spirit of Léman’s up-and-comer Valentin Hasse Clot, the campaign is as much about showcasing technological prowess as it is about reinforcing Aston Martin’s storied racing heritage.
Adam Carter summed it up succinctly:
“Vantage, in its various forms, is Aston Martin’s most successful racing car. With two strong partner teams featuring top-tier talent, we have everything we need to challenge at the front throughout the season.”
The Road Ahead
As the countdown to the Qatar 1812km begins, anticipation is mounting within the paddock and among racing enthusiasts worldwide. The event, scheduled to start at 1400 local time on Friday, 28 February 2025, will be broadcast live on FIA WEC TV, offering fans the chance to witness history in the making. Whether in English or French commentary, the spectacle promises to deliver not just a race, but a celebration of engineering, heritage, and the unyielding spirit of competition.
For Aston Martin, the 2025 season is not merely another campaign—it is a defining moment. With the Valkyrie leading the charge and the Vantage reinforcing its legacy in GT racing, the stage is set for a season of relentless pursuit, innovative breakthroughs, and, perhaps, a return to the pinnacle of endurance racing glory.
As the engines roar at Lusail and the lights go out at the start of the Qatar 1812km, one thing is clear: Aston Martin is ready to make history once again.
