Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH Makes Track Debut, Targets Le Mans Victory in 2025

The new Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH has made its track debut as Aston Martin and The Heart of Racing start a rigorous testing program. This aims to secure an outright win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year, a first since 1959.

Developed by Aston Martin Performance Technologies and The Heart of Racing, the Hypercar underwent shakedown and initial tests in the UK. It was driven by Darren Turner, Mario Farnbacher, and Harry Tincknell, who won the LMGTE class at the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans with Aston Martin.

The team will now proceed with a full development schedule, aiming for FIA homologation in the autumn and a competitive debut in early 2025. The Valkyrie AMR-LMH is the first racing car built to Hypercar regulations to compete in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA).

Unique in its class, the Valkyrie AMR-LMH is derived from the production-based Aston Martin Valkyrie. The Heart of Racing will enter two cars in WEC and one in IMSA in 2025.

Adam Carter, Aston Martin's Head of Endurance Motorsport, said, “The Valkyrie AMR-LMH sets its own standard as a thoroughbred endurance competition car. Although early in testing, it is meeting our targets and criteria.”

The Valkyrie AMR-LMH features a race-optimized carbon-fiber chassis and a modified 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine by Cosworth, designed to meet Hypercar performance standards and withstand long-distance racing.

The Heart of Racing has established a UK headquarters near Silverstone for its WEC program, overseeing the Valkyrie AMR-LMH’s development. Testing will continue at European circuits over the summer.

Team Principal Ian James said, “The first runs for the Valkyrie AMR-LMH are a proud moment. This project has been years in the making, and seeing it on the track is monumental. We know the competition is tough, but we are ready to represent Aston Martin at the highest level.”

Aston Martin with The Heart of Racing also plans to contest the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship’s GTP class, operating from their Phoenix headquarters.

From 2025, Aston Martin will be the only manufacturer competing across all levels of sportscar and GT racing, including Hypercar and GT4, as well as the FIA Formula 1® World Championship. Over the past 95 years, more than 240 drivers have raced Aston Martins at Le Mans in 27 different chassis and engine combinations, proving their DNA is forged from competition.