Aston Martin Valkyrie: The Road Car-Based Hypercar Racing at Le Mans

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is set to make history at the 2025 Le Mans race, marking the brand’s first attempt at an overall win at Circuit de la Sarthe since 1959. This hypercar, fielded by Aston Martin’s factory THOR team (The Heart of Racing), stands out as the only entry in the hypercar class across both WEC and IMSA that is based on a road car.

The Genesis of the Valkyrie: From Red Bull Racing to Aston Martin

The Valkyrie’s origins trace back to the late-2010s, conceived by Adrian Newey as a Red Bull Racing project during Aston Martin’s tenure as the team’s title sponsor. Fast forward to today, and Aston Martin has not only re-entered Formula 1 but also secured Newey’s expertise with a rumored $200 million contract, showcasing the intricate connections within F1.

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Power and Performance: The Heart of the Valkyrie

At the core of the Valkyrie is a 6.5-liter V12 engine crafted by Cosworth, capable of revving up to 11,000 rpm and producing over 1,000 horsepower. However, in its race configuration, the power is capped at 680 hp to comply with class regulations. The car boasts a carbon fiber chassis, double wishbone suspension with pushrod-actuated torsion bar springs, and adjustable dampers, ensuring peak performance on the track.

Meet the Drivers: A Trio of Talent

Piloting the iconic green No. 007 Valkyrie are three British drivers: Harry Tincknell, Tom Gamble, and Ross Gunn, making it arguably the most British vehicle in the competition. Additionally, Marco Sørenson from Denmark and Alex Riberas from Spain will take the wheel of the No. 009 Valkyrie, adding international flair to the team.

Le Mans Aspirations: A Serious Contender

With over 9,000 test miles completed, Aston Martin is demonstrating a serious commitment to its Le Mans ambitions. The Valkyrie’s performance in the upcoming race remains to be seen, but its striking design and engineering prowess make it a standout contender. If the competition were based on aesthetics alone, the Valkyrie might already be in a league of its own.