Gaydon, UK – November 21, 2024: Aston Martin’s storied legacy in endurance racing is poised for a bold new chapter as the Aston Martin Valkyrie gears up to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport. With the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship campaigns set for 2025, the Aston Martin THOR Team has announced its first two drivers: Alex Riberas and Harry Tincknell. Both bring extensive experience and a deep connection to Aston Martin’s racing heritage.
A Star-Studded Lineup for a Revolutionary Hypercar
The Valkyrie, a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12-powered marvel, represents Aston Martin’s most ambitious foray into endurance racing. As it nears the conclusion of an intensive testing phase, covering over 12,500km, the Valkyrie is ready to debut in the 2025 WEC opener in Qatar on February 28. It will also compete in IMSA’s prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring just weeks later, marking the first time a Hypercar will contest both series simultaneously.
Harry Tincknell, no stranger to Aston Martin success, returns to pilot the iconic #007 Valkyrie. A Le Mans LMGTE Pro class winner in 2020 and former European Le Mans Series champion, Tincknell is thrilled to rejoin the Aston Martin family.
“The Valkyrie is a fan-favourite in the making, with its breathtaking design and the unmistakable roar of its V12 engine,” Tincknell said. “It’s a dream come true to represent Aston Martin once again and aim for outright glory at Le Mans.”
Joining Tincknell is Alex Riberas, stepping up to the Hypercar category after a stellar season with The Heart of Racing in the GT ranks. He will command the #009 Valkyrie, a number synonymous with Aston Martin’s back-to-back GT1 class victories at Le Mans in 2007 and 2008.
“Representing Aston Martin in its pursuit of endurance racing’s highest honours is an opportunity I will cherish forever,” Riberas remarked. “The Valkyrie is the most spectacular car I’ve driven, and I’m excited to showcase it to fans worldwide.”
Reviving Racing Legends: The Return of #007 and #009
In a nod to its illustrious racing past, Aston Martin THOR Team has revived the famous #007 and #009 race numbers. These numbers, etched into motorsport history, underline Aston Martin’s commitment to reclaiming its position at the summit of endurance racing.
Ian James, Team Principal for Aston Martin THOR, praised the drivers and the team’s efforts:
“Harry and Alex embody the patience, speed, and dedication required to succeed at this level. The Valkyrie’s journey from concept to competition has been a monumental effort, and we’re excited to take Aston Martin back to the pinnacle of endurance racing.”
Precision Engineering Meets Endurance Racing
The Aston Martin Valkyrie, a masterpiece of carbon fibre construction and aerodynamic innovation, is designed to push boundaries. Having successfully met key benchmarks in its development, the focus now shifts to fine-tuning ahead of its FIA and IMSA homologation.
Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance Motorsport, highlighted the challenges and ambitions ahead:
“Testing is one thing; racing is quite another. We’re entering a fiercely competitive field, but the Valkyrie has exceeded expectations so far. The #007 and #009 race numbers add a touch of history as we look to the future.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the Aston Martin Valkyrie prepares to face the world’s elite in the WEC Hypercar and IMSA GTP categories, excitement continues to build. The full driver lineup for the Aston Martin THOR Team will be revealed soon, but one thing is certain: the brand’s determination to secure its first outright Le Mans victory since 1959 is as fierce as ever.
From the roar of the Valkyrie’s V12 engine to the revival of its legendary racing numbers, Aston Martin is set to captivate the motorsport world in 2025.
