Aston Martin is making a bold return to the pinnacle of endurance racing, with its Valkyrie Hypercar set to challenge for overall victory at Le Mans this June, the first time in 66 years the brand has aimed for the top spot. No small feat.

First proposed years ago and officially confirmed in October 2023, Aston Martin will enter two Valkyries in the 2025 World Endurance Championship (WEC), which kicks off in Qatar at the end of February. Additionally, a third car will compete across the Atlantic in the IMSA series.

Interestingly, this version of the Valkyrie is the least powerful ever produced. WEC regulations require its 6.5-litre V12 engine, normally capable of over 1,000bhp at 11,000rpm, to be restricted to 680bhp. However, in a field dominated by V6s and V8s, the Valkyrie’s naturally aspirated V12 still stands out. Aston Martin has developed a modified, lean-burn version of the Cosworth unit, fine-tuning the torque curve for improved efficiency.

Unlike its competitors, the Valkyrie remains the only Hypercar at Le Mans based on a road-going model, setting it apart from the likes of Ferrari. Yet, modifications go beyond detuning the engine. The original seven-speed gearbox from Ricardo has been replaced with an Xtrac transmission, and additional racing enhancements include a single-point rapid refuelling system, high-speed pneumatic jacks, and an optimised cockpit designed for quick driver changes, essential when the taste of victory (and champagne) is on the line.

Per WEC regulations, the Valkyrie will run on Michelin Pilot Sport 18s rather than its standard Cup 2 tyres. Meanwhile, the car’s aerodynamics have evolved significantly since Adrian Newey first conceptualised the design. Now officially part of Aston Martin’s team, it wouldn’t be surprising if Newey has a few refinements left in his ‘unfinished projects’ folder.

Aston Martin’s WEC campaign features an all-British driver pairing in Harry Tincknell and Tom Gamble, while Marco Sørensen and Alex Riberas will share the second car. Over in IMSA, Ross Gunn and Roman de Angelis will pilot the Valkyrie before joining the WEC team for Le Mans.

“This is a proud moment for Aston Martin,” said CEO Adrian Hallmark. “Competing for overall victory at Le Mans is integral to our brand’s DNA and marks a major milestone in our racing heritage. The Valkyrie is the only Hypercar derived from a road car competing at this level, embodying our enduring sporting ethos.”

Aston Martin’s factory racing programme is being managed by The Heart of Racing (THOR), a team with extensive experience running Vantage GT3s. However, this challenge is on another level entirely. The competition includes established giants like Ferrari, Toyota, Porsche, Cadillac, BMW, Alpine, and Peugeot, all with proven endurance racing pedigree. Aston Martin is stepping into uncharted territory.

But for Adam Carter, head of Aston Martin’s endurance motorsport division, this is precisely the point. “We’re here to win,” he said. “We respect the challenge and the level of competition, but that’s why we’re doing it. Winning only means something if you’re up against the best.”