Aston Martin is set to make a comeback in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) by entering the hypercar class for the upcoming season. The brand will introduce the Valkyrie LMH, a cutting-edge model developed in collaboration with the Heart of Racing team, as part of its ambitious return to top-tier endurance racing. The Valkyrie LMH is equipped with a powerful 6.5-liter V12 engine, generating over 1000bhp and reaching 11,000rpm. Unlike the road version, this model does not include a hybrid system, in compliance with WEC’s hypercar segment regulations. The 2025 rules stipulate a minimum of two cars per manufacturer, setting Aston Martin against renowned competitors such as Toyota, Ferrari, Peugeot, BMW, and Alpine.
Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s head of endurance motorsport, emphasized the company’s long-standing legacy at Le Mans and its dedication to excelling in the hypercar field. With over 95 years of racing history at Le Mans, Aston Martin boasts a rich tradition at the prestigious event, setting it apart from other road-going hypercar manufacturers. Carter affirmed the brand’s commitment to the WEC hypercar concept and its goal of reclaiming a prominent position in international sportscar racing, including at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. The development of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH is progressing as planned, with a track debut scheduled later in the year, followed by an intensive testing phase leading to homologation in the autumn.
The Heart of Racing team, under the leadership of principal Ian James, echoed Aston Martin’s dedication to meeting the accelerated schedule required by the new WEC regulations. With plans to have two cars in the hypercar class, the team is enthusiastic about the challenge ahead and eager to be part of the rapidly evolving hypercar field in endurance racing. Aston Martin’s multi-faceted involvement in motorsport across various levels, from Hypercar to GT4 and Formula 1 with Fernando Alonso, signifies the brand’s deep-rooted racing heritage and widespread presence in international motorsport. By participating in diverse racing categories, Aston Martin showcases its commitment to pushing boundaries and remaining a formidable force in the motorsports arena.
As Aston Martin gears up for its return to Le Mans and the WEC hypercar class, the implications for the sport are significant. The brand’s renewed focus on endurance racing, alongside its comprehensive involvement in other racing disciplines, solidifies its position as a key player in the motorsport industry. With the Valkyrie LMH leading the charge, Aston Martin aims to reignite its legacy in endurance racing and compete against established manufacturers in the hypercar segment. The brand’s strategic approach to motorsport, spanning from grassroots racing to Formula 1, demonstrates its versatility and adaptability in navigating the competitive landscape of international racing. Aston Martin’s commitment to excellence and innovation sets the stage for an exciting season ahead, as the iconic British marque revives its storied association with endurance racing at Le Mans and beyond.
