Aston Martin and Heart of Racing Gear Up for 2025 Le Mans with Valkyrie Hypercars in Pursuit of Historic Victory
Aston Martin, alongside its works team Heart of Racing, will make a triumphant return to the premier class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2025, it will field two Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercars, aiming to clinch the prestigious race outright for the first time since 1959. Their participation is contingent on approval in the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship [WEC] season.
This strategic move comes in response to a new regulation enforced by the event organisers, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest [ACO], and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile [FIA], which mandates that each manufacturer in the Hypercar class must enter at least two cars from 2025. This rule was announced at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans press conference.
Aston Martin and Heart of Racing fully endorse the update to the regulations, believing it will enhance the competitive environment to benefit all. They are committed to close collaboration with the ACO and FIA throughout the Valkyrie AMR-LMH programme.
Adam Carter, Aston Martin's Head of Endurance Motorsport, proudly reflects on the brand’s long legacy at Le Mans, extending over 95 years. "We’re eager to propel our iconic Wings back to the forefront of international sports car racing, including Le Mans," Carter states. In 2025, the team plans to challenge the world’s leading sports car manufacturers with their two Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercars. The programme is on schedule, with substantial development and a track debut anticipated later this summer, followed by rigorous testing and planned homologation in the autumn.
The Valkyrie AMR-LMH features a race-optimised carbon-fibre chassis and a powerful modified Cosworth 6.5-litre V12 engine tailored to meet the intense demands of top-tier long-distance racing. Unlike its road counterpart, the race version does not include the hybrid battery-electric system.
Aston Martin and Heart of Racing have recently established a new UK team headquarters for their WEC efforts at Silverstone, managed by Aston Martin Performance Technologies. They are also preparing for an IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Programme in North America, focusing on the GTP class from their Phoenix HQ.
Heart of Racing Team Principal Ian James is enthusiastic about the expanded commitment required by the new WEC rules. "We’re excited to introduce two cars into this rapidly growing class, which promises thrilling racing and fan engagement," James commented.
Aston Martin’s deep roots in endurance racing are set to expand from the gentleman racer level to the pinnacle of the sport. From 2025, Aston Martin will uniquely compete across all sports car and GT racing levels, as well as the FIA Formula 1® World Championship.
With a history of more than 240 drivers racing Aston Martins at Le Mans across 95 years and 27 different chassis and engine combinations, the iconic venue remains a testament to Aston Martin’s competitive spirit and enduring legacy.
