Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH completes its first trial

The debut of Aston Martin's new Valkyrie AMR-LMH race car marks a significant milestone as it completes its first shakedown test session in anticipation of its upcoming WEC campaign for the next year. The goal to bring the extreme road-based Valkyrie hypercar into racing has always been a priority for Aston Martin. Despite a temporary setback in the racing program, Chairman Lawrence Stroll reignited the project, leading to the Valkyrie AMR-LMH being spotted in full racing guise at Silverstone. Developed by Aston Martin Performance Technologies' in-house racing team, The Heart of Racing, the Valkyrie is set to compete in the 2025 WEC season against notable manufacturers like Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, and Lamborghini. Adhering to regulations, the car will utilize a modified version of the road car's Cosworth-built V12 engine. This decision sets Aston Martin apart as one of two teams featuring a naturally aspirated engine in the series and the sole LMH car without a hybrid drive. In addition to the WEC, the Valkyrie will also take part in the IMSA series in the United States. Team Principal Ian James expressed his pride in witnessing the Valkyrie AMR-LMH hitting the track after years of rigorous development. Unlike its LMH competitors, Aston Martin's entry will bear a direct link to its road-going counterpart, the Valkyrie AMR Pro. The brand will further expand its presence in major factory-supported classes of the WEC with the introduction of the new Vantage GT3LM racer.