Aston Martin Valkyrie to Make Historic Debut at FIA WEC Season Opener in Qatar

Aston Martin will debut the Valkyrie hypercar in the FIA WEC Qatar 1812km race, marking its first participation at the highest level of endurance racing since 1989. Competing alongside the Valkyrie in the LMGT3 category, the Vantage GT3 aims to secure additional titles for the brand. The event will take place on February 28, 2025, at Lusail International Circuit.

Aston Martin is set to commence the historic debut season of its Valkyrie hypercar at the opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Qatar. The competition version of the Valkyrie, named the only road-derived hypercar in the premier WEC category, will compete at the Lusail International Circuit in the 1812km event. This season marks Aston Martin’s return to the top tier of world championship endurance racing for the first time since 1989.

The Aston Martin Valkyrie features a race-optimized carbon fiber chassis and a modified 6.5-liter V12 engine developed by Cosworth, which adheres to a power limit set by hypercar regulations. The team aims to achieve its first overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1959, adding significance to this season’s competition from both a historical and competitive perspective.

The driver lineup for the Valkyrie consists of experienced racers such as Harry Tincknell and Marco Sørensen alongside rising talents like Tom Gamble and Roman De Angelis. This mix of experience and youth is designed to maximize both performance and development as they prepare for the Qatar race and subsequent rounds.

Team Principal Ian James expressed excitement about the power and prestige of the Valkyrie hypercar, emphasizing the need to focus on continuous improvement over the season. Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance Motorsport, highlighted the importance of winning in the competitive environment of the WEC while showcasing the technological achievements of the Valkyrie.

The Aston Martin Vantage GT3 will also compete in the LMGT3 category alongside the Valkyrie, with The Heart of Racing team aiming for its 12th WEC title. The Vantage GT3, built on the successful Vantage road car architecture, is positioned to contend strongly within its class during the season.

The Qatar 1812km race will commence on Friday, February 28, 2025, and will be broadcast live online, allowing motorsport fans to witness the Valkyrie’s eagerly anticipated race debut. Aston Martin aims to make a significant impact in both the hypercar and GT3 divisions this season, demonstrating its commitment to excellence in endurance racing.

In summary, Aston Martin is poised to make a historic mark with the debut of the Valkyrie hypercar at the FIA WEC season opener in Qatar. With a strong driver lineup and advanced engineering, the team aims to return to its winning ways in endurance racing, while also competing in the LMGT3 category with the Vantage. The excitement surrounding the Valkyrie underscores Aston Martin’s dedication to automotive innovation and high-performance racing.

Original Source: www.astonmartin.com