Aston Martin, in partnership with Heart of Racing, will re-enter the top class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with two Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercars in 2025. This marks the British sportscar brand’s first bid to win the race outright since 1959.
The decision to enter two Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercars follows a regulatory change by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The new rule, announced at a press conference before this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, requires each manufacturer to enter at least two cars in the Hypercar class from 2025 onwards. Aston Martin’s participation is contingent upon its entry being accepted by the organisers.
Commitment to endurance racing
Aston Martin and Heart of Racing have expressed their support for the new regulations. Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance Motorsport, emphasised the brand’s long-standing association with endurance racing. “You can trace the roots of Aston Martin’s endurance racing back to the earliest days of the brand. We first raced at Le Mans more than 95 years ago,” he stated.
Carter highlighted Aston Martin’s commitment to the World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) Hypercar concept. “In 2025, with our works team the Heart of Racing, we intend to put two Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercars on the grid,” he added. The Valkyrie AMR-LMH programme is progressing with significant development and is scheduled for a track debut later this summer.
Technical specifications and development
The Valkyrie AMR-LMH will feature a modified version of the Cosworth-built 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine from the Valkyrie road car. The engine, which revs to 11,000rpm and develops over 1000bhp in its standard form, is being enhanced to meet the Hypercar class’s Balance of Performance requirements. Unlike the road version, the race car will not include the battery-electric hybrid system.
Development of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH is advanced, with recent testing at Aston Martin’s Silverstone facility and the Portimao circuit in Portugal. Heart of Racing has also established a UK headquarters for its WEC programme, in collaboration with Aston Martin Performance Technologies.
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar programme
In addition to the WEC, Aston Martin and Heart of Racing plan to enter the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the US, competing in the GTP class with the Valkyrie AMR-LMH. This effort will be managed from Heart of Racing’s headquarters in Phoenix, North America.
Heart of Racing Team Principal Ian James acknowledged the challenges of the new WEC rules. “We have had to bring forward our plans to run multiple cars in the WEC Hypercar class. The challenge ahead is immense, and we are looking forward to the journey,” he said.
Aston Martin’s comprehensive racing presence
From 2025, Aston Martin will be the only manufacturer competing at all levels of sportscar and GT racing, including the Hypercar and GT4 categories, as well as the FIA Formula 1® World Championship. This extensive involvement underscores Aston Martin’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in international motorsport.
Legacy at Le Mans
Over the past 95 years, more than 240 drivers have raced Aston Martins at Le Mans, using 27 different chassis and engine combinations. Aston Martin’s return to the top class at Le Mans reaffirms its enduring legacy in endurance racing and its commitment to achieving future success.
By competing in the Hypercar class, Aston Martin aims to reclaim its place at the forefront of international sportscar racing, while also promoting technological advancements and sustainable performance in motorsport.