Aston Martin Announces Driver Line-Up for 2025 Le Mans with Valkyrie Hypercar
The Aston Martin THOR Team, poised to return the British ultra-luxury performance brand to Le Mans glory for the first time since 1959, has announced Alex Riberas (ESP) and Harry Tincknell (GBR) as the first drivers in its line-up for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship [WEC].
Riberas and Tincknell bring extensive experience with Aston Martins, contributing significantly to developing the new Valkyrie hypercar during this summer's testing programme. The impressive Valkyrie is scheduled to debut in the World Championship at the Qatar 1812km on 28 February 2025. It is the only race car built to FIA's Hypercar regulations, competing in the WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship [IMSA] in 2025.
In a nod to history, Aston Martin is reviving the renowned #007 and #009 race numbers for its two Valkyrie entries in the WEC's top Hypercar class. These 6.5-litre, naturally aspirated V12 Valkyries, equipped with race-optimised carbon fibre chassis, will also race in the GTP category at the renowned 12 Hours of Sebring from 12-14 March.
After a four-year absence, Tincknell rejoins Aston Martin, having last secured the LMGTE Pro class victory at the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans. As a former European Le Mans Series champion and 12 Hours of Sebring winner, he will pilot the #007 Valkyrie, expressing pride in its development and anticipation for its racing debut.
“Returning to Aston Martin for the Valkyrie programme is an absolute honour. The car's stunning aesthetics and the V12's incredible sound make it a sure fan favourite. I'm proud of our progress and excited to start racing,” Tincknell commented, reflecting on his significant memories from Le Mans 2020 and his aspirations for Valkyrie.
Riberas, stepping up from GT racing, joins the elite class as part of the #009 Valkyrie crew. Celebrating a decade with The Heart of Racing team, he views his selection as a pinnacle achievement in his career, and he is thrilled to represent Aston Martin and its storied legacy in sportscar racing.
Ian James, principal of the Aston Martin THOR Team, praised both drivers for their dedication and performance during the Valkyrie's testing phase and expressed excitement for the upcoming season. The team focuses on perfecting the Valkyrie's performance ahead of the 2025 season homologation.
Adam Carter, Head of Endurance Motorsport at Aston Martin, highlighted the crucial phase in the Valkyrie's development, stressing the challenges of transitioning from testing to competitive racing. He reaffirmed the significance of the iconic #007 and #009 race numbers, emblems symbolic of Aston Martin's historic victories at Le Mans.
As the Aston Martin Valkyrie nears the conclusion of its rigorous testing and development, the anticipation builds for the full reveal of the driver line-up for Aston Martin THOR Team's 2025 campaigns in both WEC and IMSA.
