Aston Martin's Valkyrie is gearing up to take on the tracks in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship, all while aiming for glory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. What sets the Valkyrie apart from its competitors is that it is uniquely based on a roadgoing hypercar.
- Original Power: The Valkyrie boasts over 1,000 hp from its impressive 6.5-liter V-12 engine, which can rev up to 11,000 rpm.
- Regulation Power Cap: For Hypercar race cars, the power is capped at 671 hp.
- Adjustments Made:
- The engine has been detuned to produce more torque.
- Engine speed has been lowered to enhance fuel efficiency.
- Frictional losses have been reduced.
Adam Carter, head of endurance racing at Aston Martin, emphasizes the importance of balancing power and fuel efficiency within these regulations.
With aerodynamics being a critical factor, the Valkyrie has undergone significant refinements, designed by the expert Adrian Newey:
- Key Design Changes:
- Quick-change front and rear bodywork.
- A single-point rapid refueling coupling.
- A high-speed pneumatic jack system.
- Suspension and Tires:
- Equipped with race-spec double wishbone suspension.
- Fitted with 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport tires.
The prestigious responsibility of racing the Valkyrie has been entrusted to The Heart of Racing (THOR) team, which is well-known for its successes with Aston Martin’s Vantage GT3.
- Team Perspective: "Being entrusted with this program is a career highlight," says team principal Ian James.
At Le Mans, the Valkyrie will face stiff competition from formidable rivals:
- Ferrari's 499P: The reigning champion from 2023 and 2024.
- Porsche's 963: Winner of the Rolex Daytona 24 Hours.
- Other Rivals: Including Toyota’s GR010-Hybrid, Cadillac’s V Series.R, BMW’s M Hybrid V8, Peugeot’s 9X8, and Alpine’s A424.
- WEC Program: The Valkyrie will participate with two cars.
- IMSA Participation: One car will showcase THOR’s special blue livery.
- First IMSA Race: The Valkyrie is set to debut at the Sebring 12 Hours from March 12-15.
Aston Martin’s factory-backed Valkyrie is poised to make a significant impact in endurance racing. With thoughtful detuning and aerodynamic adjustments to comply with Hypercar class rules, the Valkyrie is ready to face fierce competition. Led by The Heart of Racing team, the Valkyrie embarks on an exciting journey in the world of endurance motorsport.
