Aston Martin's Valkyrie LMH Dominates Pre-Season Test, Setting Stage for Thrilling 2025 WEC

Feb 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM
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The Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH made a significant impression during the pre-season test of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The car is set to compete in both the WEC and IMSA SportsCar Championship. During the Prologue event at Lusail International Circuit in Qatar, the Valkyrie LMH completed numerous laps without issues, demonstrating its reliability. The team also revealed plans for the upcoming races and provided insight into the competitive landscape of the new season.

Reliability and Performance: Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH Shines in Pre-Season Testing

The Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH race cars, operated by The Heart of Racing (THOR) team, showcased impressive performance and reliability during the Prologue event. The two Valkyries powered by Cosworth 6.5-liter V-12 engines completed 549 laps without any trouble, setting a strong foundation for the grueling endurance season. This extensive testing provided valuable data on the car's capabilities and ensured that it is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Despite using the same engine as the road-going Valkyrie, modifications were made to meet WEC regulations. The engine now runs at lower revs with a leaner fuel mixture to comply with the 670-horsepower limit while maintaining fuel efficiency. Power is delivered through an Xtrac 7-speed sequential transmission, driving only the rear wheels. The THOR team's driver lineup includes experienced racers Harry Tincknell, Tom Gamble, Marco Sørensen, and Alex Riberas, who will play crucial roles in the upcoming championship. The successful completion of the Prologue event has boosted confidence in the team's ability to compete at the highest level.

Expanding Horizons: Valkyrie LMH Enters Multiple Championships and Faces Stiff Competition

Beyond the WEC, Aston Martin has announced plans to enter a single Valkyrie LMH in the GTP class of the 2025 IMSA SportsCar Championship. Drivers Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis will helm this vehicle. Both drivers will also join forces with their WEC counterparts for the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. This dual participation highlights the versatility and potential of the Valkyrie LMH in various racing environments.

The Prologue event not only highlighted Aston Martin's capabilities but also provided a glimpse into the competitive landscape of the 2025 WEC season. BMW M Team WRT’s M Hybrid V8 LMDh, driven by Robin Frijns, posted the fastest lap, while Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA’s V-Series.R LMDh cars also demonstrated impressive performance. These results indicate that the Hypercar class will see increased competition, no longer dominated solely by Toyota, Ferrari, and Porsche. The Prologue has set the stage for an exhilarating and tightly contested WEC season, with multiple teams vying for supremacy. Aston Martin's Valkyrie LMH is poised to be a key player in this evolving competitive environment.