Aston Martin Valkyrie Hypercar Makes Long-Awaited Racing Debut
The Aston Martin Valkyrie Hypercar has made its highly anticipated debut at the FIA World Endurance Championship Prologue test in Qatar, marking a significant milestone for the brand's racing ambitions.
Green Cadillac racing at Qatar WEC
The Valkyrie, powered by a Cosworth V12 engine, represents the first true Hypercar that aligns with the original LMH regulations, being a prototype derived from a road car. Heart of Racing's revival of the project has produced two impressive vehicles for both FIA WEC and IMSA competitions.
During initial testing in Lusail, the Valkyries completed 549 laps, demonstrating promising reliability with only minor new-car issues. Driver Harry Tincknell noted the car's impressive presence and performance, highlighting its aggressive nature and straightforward operation compared to other prototypes.
The THOR team, supported by Multimatic staff, has created a positive team environment, combining experienced personnel from previous programs like Ford GT and Mazda DPi. Ross Gunn, sharing the No. 007 with Tincknell and Tom Gamble, brings his decade-long Aston Martin experience to both WEC and IMSA campaigns.
Looking ahead, the team will debut in IMSA GTP at Sebring, followed by a crucial 24-hour endurance test. Team principal Ian James emphasizes their focus on reliability, though acknowledges there's still much to learn about the car's capabilities.
The Valkyrie's non-hybrid V12 configuration stands out in an era dominated by turbocharged engines, offering a compelling throwback to traditional racing. While its true potential may not be evident until mid-season when sufficient Balance of Performance data is available, the project represents Aston Martin's strongest bid for overall Le Mans victory since the 1950s.