22 July 2024, Gaydon, UK – Aston Martin, in collaboration with The Heart of Racing, has commenced an exhilarating new chapter in endurance racing with the debut of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH. This highly anticipated Hypercar marks the brand’s return to the top class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, aiming to clinch victory for the first time since 1959.
A Historic Return
The Valkyrie AMR-LMH has hit the track for initial testing, including shakedown runs and early installation checks. Driven by Aston Martin High Performance development driver Darren Turner, The Heart of Racing’s Mario Farnbacher, and Harry Tincknell, who previously won the LMGTE class at Le Mans with Aston Martin, these early tests are a crucial step in preparing for the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship campaigns set for 2025.
Pioneering Dual Championship Pursuit
The Valkyrie AMR-LMH is set to become the first Hypercar to compete in both the WEC and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship simultaneously. This groundbreaking move underscores Aston Martin’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of endurance racing and showcases the car’s versatility and advanced engineering.
A Unique Legacy
What sets the Valkyrie AMR-LMH apart in the Hypercar category is its unique lineage. It is the only competitor in its class to have its roots traced back to a road-going counterpart, the Aston Martin Valkyrie—the ultimate hypercar. This connection to a production model brings a distinctive edge to the AMR-LMH, emphasizing its high-performance heritage.
Cutting-Edge Technology
The Valkyrie AMR-LMH features a race-optimized carbon-fibre chassis and a modified version of the Cosworth-built 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine. Originally capable of revving to 11,000rpm and producing over 1000bhp, this power unit has been fine-tuned for endurance racing. The adaptation ensures it meets the demanding performance requirements of the Hypercar class while enduring the grueling conditions of long-distance races.
Strategic Development and Preparation
The Heart of Racing, which has recently set up a UK-based team headquarters near Aston Martin Performance Technologies at Silverstone, will oversee the Valkyrie AMR-LMH’s development and testing. The car will soon shift from UK circuits to European tracks, focusing on performance evaluation as it prepares for FIA homologation and its competitive debut.
Leadership Insights
Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance Motorsport, remarked on the Valkyrie AMR-LMH’s impressive early performance, highlighting its status as a cutting-edge racing machine. Team Principal Ian James of The Heart of Racing expressed pride in the project’s progress and confidence in the team’s ability to compete at the highest level, despite the formidable competition they will face.
A Comprehensive Racing Presence
Beyond the WEC, Aston Martin plans to extend its racing ambitions with an IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Programme, competing in the GTP class from The Heart of Racing’s Phoenix Headquarters in North America. This move ensures that Aston Martin will have a prominent presence across all levels of endurance racing, from Hypercar to GT4, as well as the FIA Formula 1® World Championship.
With over 240 drivers having raced Aston Martins at Le Mans over 95 years, and through numerous chassis and engine combinations, Aston Martin’s legacy at this iconic venue is unparalleled. As the Valkyrie AMR-LMH embarks on this ambitious journey, it continues to embody the spirit and heritage of Aston Martin’s racing DNA.
