The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH made its track debut in UK last week in preparation for its competitive debut in WEC and IMSA next year.
In a significant milestone for Aston Martin’s return to top-tier endurance racing, the Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercar has completed its debut track test, kicking off an extensive development program ahead of its competitive debut in the 2025 FIA WEC and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
The Valkyrie AMR-LMH, developed by Aston Martin Performance Technologies in collaboration with Heart of Racing team, recently underwent a shakedown and initial evaluation testing at Silverstone.
Videos circulating on social media platforms TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) show the V12-powered Le Mans Hypercar running at the British circuit in a camouflage livery, which features logos from partner team Heart of Racing.
The car was piloted by Aston Martin High Performance development driver Darren Turner, along with The Heart of Racing’s Mario Farnbacher and Harry Tincknell, who brings valuable experience from his 2020 LMGTE class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The test is crucial for evaluating the vehicle’s systems and performance capabilities, laying the groundwork for more extensive testing to come.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH stands out in the hypercar category as the only racing car derived from a production model—the Aston Martin Valkyrie, the brand’s ultimate road-going hypercar. This connection to a street-legal vehicle adds to the car’s appeal and uniqueness among other contenders, such as the Ferrari 499P and Peugeot 9X8.
Following the successful shakedown, Aston Martin and The Heart of Racing will embark on a full development schedule to prepare the car for FIA homologation later this year and its competitive debut in early 2025.
The testing program will travel from UK to various European circuits throughout the summer, with a focus on refining the car’s performance.
The Valkyrie AMR-LMH features a race-optimized carbon-fiber chassis and a modified version of the Cosworth-built 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine from the road-going Valkyrie. The power unit has been adapted to meet the performance requirements of the hypercar class while maintaining its ability to withstand the rigors of endurance racing.
The car has also undergone significant aerodynamic modifications compared to the track day car upon which it is based. Notable is the presence of a larger rear wing, which looks to feature similar strakes as previously seen on the likes of the Glickenhaus 007 Pipo and the Lamborghini SC63 LMDh car.
Aston Martin’s return to the top class of endurance racing is driven by its ambition to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans outright, a feat the brand last achieved in 1959. The Valkyrie AMR-LMH will be the brand’s first top-class car to race at the French endurance classic since its short-lived AMR One LMP1 program in 2011.
By 2025, the brand will uniquely compete across all tiers of sports car and GT racing, from GT4 to hypercars, while also maintaining its presence in F1. This multifaceted approach highlights Aston Martin’s dedication to excellence in motorsport and its desire to reclaim its status as a leading manufacturer in endurance racing.
The Heart of Racing will field two Valkyrie AMR-LMH cars in the WEC and one in the IMSA series, demonstrating the team’s commitment to competing at the highest level.
“The Valkyrie AMR-LMH sets its own standard as a thoroughbred endurance competition car,” Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance Motorsport said.
“It is a pure, leading-edge racing machine, and while it is very early in the testing cycle, from what we have witnessed so far, we are satisfied that it is achieving the targets and criteria we have set out for it to accomplish.”
As the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH embarks on its journey to reclaim the brand’s glory in endurance racing, motorsport enthusiasts eagerly await the car’s performance in the upcoming seasons.
With its unique design, advanced engineering, and a dedicated team behind it, the Valkyrie AMR-LMH is poised to make a significant impact in the hypercar category and potentially bring Aston Martin back to the top step of the podium at Le Mans.
