Fuji Speedway, Japan – 23 September 2025 – The Aston Martin Valkyrie, the British marque’s trailblazing V12-powered hypercar, is set to make its Far East competition debut this weekend at the 6 Hours of Fuji, marking a historic milestone for Aston Martin as it participates in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) 100th race.
As one of only three manufacturers to have contested every WEC event since the championship’s inception in 2012, Aston Martin’s endurance racing pedigree is unparalleled. From a podium finish in the inaugural LMGTE Pro race at the 2012 12 Hours of Sebring to five class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the marque has consistently demonstrated its competitive strength. With 53 class wins and 11 world championship titles, Aston Martin has firmly established itself among the elite in global endurance racing.
Adam Carter, Head of Endurance Motorsport, reflects on the significance of the milestone: “Aston Martin is honoured to be participating in the 100th WEC race. Since the beginning, we have understood the value and power of a global endurance campaign. The WEC has grown into an exceptional championship, with diverse technical regulations, world-class organisation, and fierce competition. For Aston Martin, this race is another step in a journey that spans more than 50 class victories over 13 years. With Valkyrie, we aim to take the next step and race at the front of the field, striving for outright victories.”
The Aston Martin THOR Team enters Fuji with the same two Valkyrie line-ups that have been making steady progress throughout the season. The #007 car will be piloted by Harry Tincknell and Tom Gamble, while the #009 car returns with Alex Riberas and three-time FIA WEC GT champion Marco Sørensen. Both line-ups aim to capitalise on the momentum built during the car’s recent appearances, including a highly encouraging performance at the Lone Star Le Mans at the Circuit of the Americas.
In only its fifth WEC outing, the 6.5-litre V12-powered Valkyrie impressed in Austin, running as high as fourth in challenging, rain-affected conditions. Meanwhile, the #009 car secured its second Hyperpole session qualification of the season, achieving eighth on the grid – its best starting position to date. This follows the Valkyrie’s debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, where both hypercars completed their first 24-hour race without issue, registering Aston Martin’s first Manufacturer’s World Championship points in the Hypercar Class.
Valkyrie, Aston Martin’s first Le Mans Hypercar, is the only WEC premier-class entry derived from a road-legal hypercar. Built in collaboration with THOR, the competition variant combines a race-optimised carbon fibre chassis with a modified 6.5-litre V12 engine revving to 11,000rpm. While capable of over 1000bhp in standard form, the hypercar adheres to the 500kW (680bhp) WEC Hypercar regulations.
Tom Gamble (#007) is optimistic about the challenge ahead: “I’m very excited to be racing at Fuji for the first time. We’ve improved every time we’ve rolled out the car, and after Austin, I’m confident we can push for a good result.”
Harry Tincknell adds: “Fuji is an iconic track, and we’re coming off a very positive race in Austin. Our focus is to keep learning and improving with every race, and the circuit should suit our strengths. The weather has historically been changeable, but we go there more buoyant than ever.”
Alex Riberas (#009) highlights the technical challenge of Fuji: “It’s a very different track from Austin, with lower grip levels, but our package has been competitive in all conditions. We’re motivated and ready to build on our momentum.”
For Marco Sørensen, Fuji holds a sense of familiarity: “Having raced in Japan several times, going back to Fuji feels a little like home. The progress we’ve made with Valkyrie has been significant, and I hope the weekend provides the breakthrough result we’ve been working towards.”
Team Principal Ian James emphasises the methodical approach: “The step forward in Austin was a result of the continuous and methodical effort from everyone, from drivers to mechanics. The competition is incredibly strong, and incremental improvements through flawless execution remain our priority.”
Adam Carter concludes: “The Lone Star Le Mans demonstrated Valkyrie’s growing potential. Running in the top six and setting competitive pace across sessions was encouraging. We aim to carry this momentum into Fuji and continue progressing as we gain more experience with every race.”
As Aston Martin celebrates a century of WEC races, the Valkyrie’s Far East debut represents both a continuation of a rich motorsport legacy and the dawn of a new chapter for the marque’s hypercar programme.
