Aston Martin's Valkyrie AMR-LMH Embarks on Rigorous Testing Ahead of Le Mans 2025
Aston Martin and The Heart of Racing have launched the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH onto the track for its inaugural testing session. This marks the beginning of an exhaustive testing schedule as the British ultra-luxury sportscar manufacturer aims to clinch its first outright victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1959.
Developed by Aston Martin Performance Technologies and the works team, The Heart of Racing, the hypercar underwent its initial shakedown and evaluation testing in the UK this week. High-Performance development drivers from Aston Martin, Darren Turner from the UK, The Heart of Racing's Mario Farnbacher from Germany and Harry Tincknell from the UK piloted the vehicle. Tincknell previously won the LMGTE class at the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans with Aston Martin.
The team is now poised to undertake a full development agenda to prepare the car for FIA homologation this autumn and its competitive debut in early 2025. The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH stands out as the first race car built to Hypercar regulations capable of competing in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the US-based IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship simultaneously.
This vehicle is distinct in the premier Hypercar class of global endurance motorsport, being the sole contender derived from an existing production-based extreme performance car, the Aston Martin Valkyrie. In 2025, The Heart of Racing will field two Valkyrie AMR-LMH entries in the WEC and one in the IMSA.
Adam Carter, Head of Endurance Motorsport at Aston Martin, commented, "The Valkyrie AMR-LMH establishes itself as a purebred endurance competition car. Even at this early testing stage, it meets our rigorous standards and targets."
The race-optimised Valkyrie AMR-LMH features a carbon-fibre chassis and utilises a modified, lean-burning version of the extraordinary Cosworth-built 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, capable of revving to 11,000rpm and delivering over 1000bhp. This power unit has been enhanced to fit the performance needs of the Hypercar class and to endure the demands of top-level long-distance racing.
The Heart of Racing has recently set up a UK team headquarters for its WEC programme near Silverstone, where it collaborates with Aston Martin Performance Technologies on the construction and testing of the racing cars. The development and test programme for the Valkyrie AMR-LMH will transition from the UK to various European circuits over the summer, prioritising performance evaluations.
Ian James, Team Principal at The Heart of Racing, stated, "Launching the Valkyrie AMR-LMH has been a hugely proud moment for us. Witnessing its initial laps was momentous, and we eagerly anticipate the challenges ahead in this highly competitive field."
Aston Martin and The Heart of Racing also plan to enter the Valkyrie AMR-LMH in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's GTP class, operating out of their North American headquarters in Phoenix.
By entering the Hypercar class, Aston Martin reinforces its presence in every aspect of endurance racing, from gentleman racers to the pinnacle of the sport. From 2025, Aston Martin will be the only manufacturer competing across all sportscar and GT racing levels, as well as the FIA Formula 1® World Championship.
For nearly a century, Aston Martin has showcased its competitive spirit at Le Mans, with over 240 drivers across 27 different chassis and engine combinations, epitomising the brand's essence forged in the crucible of competition.
