Aston Martin is set to rejoin the highest level of endurance racing in 2025 and take on Ferrari, Toyota, Porsche, BMW, Peugeot, Cadillac, Lamborghini, Isotta Fraschini, Alpine and Vanwall. The success of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary this year and the impetus of American team Heart of Racing have persuaded the British constructor to throw its hat in the Hypercar ring. Aston Martin's last appearance in the head class of the legendary race dates back to 2011 with the AMR-One. Since then, the Vantage GTE has done a remarkable job representing the marque in endurance racing. Since 2018, the car has earned four world championship titles (two Drivers trophies, one Manufacturers and one Teams) as well as three class wins at Le Mans.

developing the Valkyrie

So, what will Aston Martin's Valkyrie be up against in the Hypercar class? The result of a collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing, the car was designed to push the boundaries of automotive technology. Its 6.5-litre, V12 hybrid engine generates 1,000 hp. To comply with the regulations, Aston Martin Performance Technologies engineers are in the process of developing a racing prototype version of the car that will need to run within a well-defined window of aerodynamic performance and power. Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin Executive Chairman: "The complex knowledge-base we are building through our F1® team is data that Aston Martin Performance Technologies can harness to further enhance the capabilities of the Valkyrie race car at Le Mans, in the WEC and IMSA."

Entering an Extremely Competitive Arena

The Hypercar class is on track to prove ultra competitive in 2025. Aston Martin will face off against marques already participating at the highest level for two or three seasons. The Valkyrie must be reliable and competitive from the outset if Aston Martin wants to hold its own against these manufacturers and potentially win Le Mans. The Heart of Racing team possesses a good understanding of the Valkyrie thanks to two years under the customer activation programme.

Entering the car in the 24 Hours will have a considerable impact on the marque's visibility, and will hopefully boost the state-of-the-art Supercar's reputation. Stroll: "This [project] will allow Aston Martin to build a deeper connection with our customers and community, many of whom found their passion for the marque through our history and success at Le Mans."

Aston Martin's sole overall win at Le Mans dates back to 1959, the year Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori claimed the top step on the podium over Ferrari at the wheel of a DBR1.

Fans are holding their breath waiting for the Valkyrie's first laps at the 24 Hours, hoping the sports car icon will prove capable of conquering such a demanding race.