Aston Martin ‘does not underestimate’ Hypercar challenge
Ahead of its debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s top-tier in 2025 with a pair of Valkyrie Hypercars, Aston Martin has said it ‘does not underestimate’ the size of the challenge ahead.
The legendary British marque will be one of eight manufacturers on the Hypercar grid next year, with its 6.5-litre, naturally-aspirated V12-powered Valkyrie – featuring a race-optimised carbon-fibre chassis – already busy preparing for battle.
The striking prototype is nearing the end of its test and development programme, having covered more than 12,500km to-date. The focus for Aston Martin THOR Team is now very much on honing the Valkyrie’s performance window ahead of its homologation for the forthcoming campaign, which will get underway with the Qatar 1812km on 28 February.
Britain’s Harry Tincknell and Spain’s Alex Riberas – both of whom have extensive experience of racing Aston Martins during their careers – have been confirmed as the first two drivers, with further names to be announced in due course.
“We are reaching a critical juncture in the development of the Aston Martin Valkyrie, and to this point, the car has passed all of the objectives and benchmarks we have set for it,” remarked Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport, Adam Carter. “Testing is one thing however, going racing quite another, and we do not underestimate the formidable line-up of world-class competition in the FIA WEC Hypercar category.
“Harry and Alex both fully deserve their place in the 2025 line-up, and we’re excited to see how they progress next season. It’s also great to see the return of the famous #007 and #009 race numbers, which have been so synonymous with previous success at Le Mans for the brand.”
“Both drivers have shown the relevant blend of patience, speed and dedication through the testing phase of the Aston Martin Valkyrie programme and have earned the right to a race seat in 2025,” echoed Team Principal, Ian James. “We’re very excited heading into next season, particularly given all the hard work that has gone in so far.
“There is still a long road ahead, and I think I speak for all of us when I say we can’t wait to go racing with this incredible car. It’s a special honour to run a team with this iconic brand – and to take the Aston Martin wings back to where they belong, at the very pinnacle of endurance racing.”
