Aston Martin Valkyrie to Compete in World Endurance Championship and SportsCar Championship
Aston Martin Valkyrie to Compete in World Endurance Championship and SportsCar Championship
Can the Aston Martin Valkyrie conquer the world of endurance racing?
Aston Martin has announced its entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with a racing prototype version of its Valkyrie hypercar. This means that the prototype Aston Martin Valkyrie will participate in prestigious races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Let’s dive into the details!
Aston Martin is gearing up for a thrilling new adventure by entering the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. They will be doing so with a racing prototype version of their renowned Valkyrie hypercar. This powerful and sleek vehicle will be seen in action at iconic races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
The prototype Aston Martin Valkyrie racer is not to be confused with the track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro that was unveiled in 2021. While the latter was designed exclusively for the racetrack, the former is a competition prototype version tailor-made to meet the LMH prototype regulations. This ensures that the Valkyrie racer is ready to take on any challenge thrown its way.
The development of this new prototype Valkyrie racer is entrusted to Aston Martin Performance Technologies (AMPT). Their expert team is working diligently to ensure that the vehicle meets all the necessary requirements for the FIA WEC and IMSA championships. One key aspect of this development is the adherence to a pre-defined aerodynamic and power performance window. This ensures that the Valkyrie racer can truly compete with its rivals on an equal footing, providing an exciting and fair racing experience for all.
In order to participate in the FIA WEC Hypercar and IMSA GTP classes, the Valkyrie racer will undergo the homologation process. This means that it will be closely examined and approved for competition in these prestigious championships. What’s even more impressive is that once the homologation process is complete, the Valkyrie will be the only vehicle in both championships that can trace its origins back to an existing production model. This is a testament to Aston Martin’s commitment to pushing the limits of performance and innovation.
The heart and soul of the Aston Martin Valkyrie racer lies in its modified version of the Cosworth-built 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine. This beast of an engine has been specifically tuned to rev up to an astonishing 11,000rpm and deliver over 745kW of power. But power is not the only consideration, as endurance racing requires reliability and longevity. That’s why the Valkyrie racer is equipped with a Balance of Performance system that is essential for the Hypercar class. This system ensures that the vehicle can withstand the demanding conditions of top-level long-distance competition, providing both speed and durability.
While the road-going Valkyrie boasts a hybrid system, the forthcoming race car will not feature this technology. This decision was made to optimize the performance and weight of the vehicle for the specific demands of endurance racing. By shedding the hybrid system, the Valkyrie racer becomes a purebred powerhouse, ready to conquer the race track.
To spearhead their programs in both the FIA WEC and IMSA, Aston Martin has partnered with the Heart of Racing team based in the United States. This accomplished team will take the helm and ensure that the Valkyrie racer performs at its best in every race. Their expertise and passion for motorsport make them the perfect match for Aston Martin’s racing endeavors.
From 2025 onwards, Aston Martin plans to dominate the world of sportscar and GT racing. They proudly declare that they will be the only manufacturer competing in all levels of competition, including the Hypercar and GT4 classes, as well as the prestigious FIA Formula 1 World Championship. This ambitious goal highlights Aston Martin’s determination to be at the forefront of motorsport innovation and excellence.
In addition to the Valkyrie racer, Aston Martin is also preparing new GT3 and GT4 racers based on the Vantage platform. These vehicles will adhere to all the existing and new GT regulations, including the LMGT3 regulations introduced in 2024. By expanding their racing lineup, Aston Martin further solidifies their commitment to the world of motorsport.
- Aston Martin Valkyrie to compete in major endurance races from 2025
- Different from the track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro
- Developed to meet LMH prototype regulations
- Homologated for the FIA WEC Hypercar and IMSA GTP classes
- Powered by a modified version of the V12 engine
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is poised to revolutionize the world of endurance racing with its entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. With its unparalleled power, cutting-edge technology, and remarkable design, it is set to become a force to be reckoned with on the race track. Aston Martin’s dedication to performance and their partnership with the Heart of Racing team ensure that the Valkyrie will lead the charge in the upcoming racing seasons. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled adventure like no other!
