Aston Martin Valkyrie to Make Historic Debut at Qatar FIA WEC Opener
The Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar will have its global racing debut at the Qatar 1812km, the first round of the 2025 FIA WEC. This marks a significant moment as it is the only road-born hypercar competing in both the WEC and IMSA championships. The team features a blend of experienced and young drivers, aiming for an overall victory at Le Mans. The event highlights Aston Martin’s competitive spirit and commitment to endurance racing.
Aston Martin is set to mark an exhilarating new chapter in motorsport with the global debut of the Valkyrie hypercar at the Qatar 1812km, the opening round of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). This historic event at the Lusail International Circuit marks Valkyrie’s entry into the prestigious hypercar category, making it the only road-legal hypercar racing in both the WEC and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
The Valkyrie, the first ‘Le Mans Hypercar’ produced by Aston Martin, is built on a modified carbon fiber chassis and equipped with a Cosworth-developed 6.5-litre V12 engine, producing over 1000bhp while being limited to 680bhp in compliance with competition regulations. Competing in the top category of endurance racing, it aims for overall victory at the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time since 1959.
The driver lineup showcases a combination of experienced and emerging talents, featuring the 007 teammates Harry Tincknell and Tom Gamble, alongside others like Ross Gunn for key endurance races. The 009 Valkyrie will include Marco Sørensen and Alex Riberas, with additional strength from Roman De Angelis for longer events.
Several drivers expressed their enthusiasm about competing with the Valkyrie. Harry Tincknell remarked, “I’m massively looking forward to Qatar… it’s amazing to be a part of a programme that has generated such interest.” Likewise, Tom Gamble noted, “I’m very excited… it’s a dream come true to make my Hypercar debut with Aston Martin THOR Team.”
Team Principal Ian James acknowledges this debut as a monumental step for Aston Martin within the competitive hypercar landscape. He stated, “It’s Year One and we have to be realistic about what we can achieve… if I didn’t think we could reach the summit of the mountain, we wouldn’t be doing it.” Adam Carter emphasized the Valkyrie’s significance, highlighting its heritage and potential for racing success.
In addition to the Valkyrie, Aston Martin is also competing in the LMGT3 category with their Vantage GT3 car, aiming for another title in the WEC. Two teams, The Heart of Racing and Racing Spirit of Leman, will pilot this latest version, showcasing their formidable capabilities alongside the Valkyrie in the upcoming races.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie’s global debut at the 2025 Qatar 1812km signifies a pivotal moment for the brand as it competes in the hypercar category. With a goal to triumph at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and an impressive driver lineup, Aston Martin is poised to make an impactful return to top-tier endurance racing. Despite the competitive challenges ahead, the team’s optimism and commitment to excellence shine through as they embark on this historic journey.
Original Source: www.astonmartin.com
