The Valkyrie AMR-LMH, the car set to propel Aston Martin and The Heart of Racing back to the top tier of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, has initiated its development testing. Shakedown tests and early installation runs are setting the stage for a comprehensive multi-circuit preparation program ahead of the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship campaigns in 2025.
The Valkyrie AMR-LMH aims to be the first Hypercar to race simultaneously in both WEC and IMSA next year. This unique racing car is rooted in the Aston Martin Valkyrie, the ultimate hypercar. Aston Martin Performance Technologies, in collaboration with The Heart of Racing, is driving the development of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH towards FIA homologation later this year.
On July 22, 2024, the Valkyrie AMR-LMH hit the track for the first time at a UK testing facility. Driven by Aston Martin High Performance driver Darren Turner, along with The Heart of Racing’s Mario Farnbacher and Harry Tincknell, the car successfully completed its shakedown and initial evaluation tests.
The Valkyrie AMR-LMH features a race-optimized carbon-fiber chassis and a modified Cosworth-built 6.5-litre V12 engine, delivering over 1000bhp. The Heart of Racing team, with newly established headquarters in the UK, will continue the car’s development and testing throughout the summer.
Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport, Adam Carter, praised the Valkyrie AMR-LMH, describing it as a "pure, leading-edge racing machine." Team Principal Ian James expressed immense pride in the project, acknowledging the challenges ahead but confident in the car's potential.
In 2025, Aston Martin with The Heart of Racing plans to compete in both the WEC and IMSA GTP class, establishing a presence at all levels of sportscar racing. This marks a significant milestone for Aston Martin, showcasing their commitment to endurance racing from GT4 to Hypercar, and the FIA Formula 1® World Championship.
