Aston Martin Triumphantly Returns to Le Mans with two Unstoppable Valkyrie LMH Hypercars in 2025

In 2025, Aston Martin, in collaboration with the works team Heart of Racing, is set to make a grand comeback to the premier class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. They will be fielding two Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercars, marking the ultra-luxury British sportscar brand’s ambitious attempt to secure an outright victory at the renowned race for the first time since 1959.

Subject to acceptance of their entry, Aston Martin plans to participate in all rounds of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship [WEC] with two Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercars. This decision aligns with a recent rule change by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest [ACO] and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile [FIA], the event organiser and the sport’s governing body respectively. The new regulation, announced at the official press conference preceding this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans race, mandates that each manufacturer must field at least two cars in the Hypercar class from 2025 onwards.

Aston Martin and Heart of Racing have expressed their support for this regulatory change, viewing it as a positive step towards enhancing the sporting environment for all stakeholders. Aston Martin is committed to maintaining a close working relationship with both organisations throughout the Valkyrie AMR-LMH programme.

Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance Motorsport, reflected on the brand’s rich history in endurance racing, which dates back to its earliest days. He highlighted Aston Martin’s pride in its association with the prestigious Le Mans event and reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to the WEC’s hypercar concept. He also revealed plans to field two Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercars in 2025, with the aim of competing against the world’s top sportscar manufacturers. He assured that the Valkyrie AMR-LMH programme is progressing as planned, with significant development work being carried out behind the scenes in preparation for the car’s track debut later this summer.

The Valkyrie AMR-LMH, optimised for racing with a carbon-fibre chassis, will be powered by a modified version of the Cosworth-built 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, originally designed for the Valkyrie road car. The engine, capable of revving to 11,000rpm and delivering over 1000bhp in its standard form, is being further refined to meet the Balance of Performance requirements of the Hypercar class and to endure the demands of top-level long-distance competition. Unlike the Valkyrie AMR Pro track-car and the road-specification Valkyrie, the race car will not feature a battery-electric hybrid system.

The development of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH is well underway, with recent on-track evaluations of key systems conducted at Aston Martin’s Silverstone testing facility and the Portimao circuit in Portugal. Heart of Racing has also recently set up a UK team headquarters for its WEC programme, located near the site where the racing cars are being built in collaboration with Aston Martin Performance Technologies, which is overseeing the design and development of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH.

In addition to their WEC programme, Aston Martin and Heart of Racing are planning an IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Programme for the Valkyrie AMR-LMH, which will compete in the US-based endurance series’ GTP class. This programme will be managed from Heart of Racing’s Phoenix HQ in North America.

Heart of Racing Team Principal Ian James expressed his excitement about the prospect of fielding two cars in the WEC Hypercar class, acknowledging the immense challenge ahead and looking forward to the journey. Aston Martin’s participation in the Hypercar class ensures that the British ultra-luxury sportscar manufacturer will be represented across all levels of endurance racing, from the gentleman racer to the pinnacle of the sport. From 2025, Aston Martin will be the only manufacturer competing at all levels of sportscar and GT racing (from Hypercar to GT4) and 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, spanning virtually every era. No other venue has brought Aston Martin as much success, or more steadfastly proven that the brand’s DNA is deeply rooted in the spirit of competition.