Among the most iconic engines used at Le Mans, the V12 has long held a special place in the hearts of racing fans. Its last appearance in the race dates back to 2011.

Last Minute Entrant

That year, the 79th 24 Hours served as the third of seven rounds in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC), predecessor to the FIA World Endurance Championship. Among the 17 entrants in LMP1 (the top class at the time) was Kronos Racing's #22 Lola Aston Martin. The car had already taken the start in the 24 Hours in 2010 representing the Signature Plus team and was, in every respect, identical to those entered by Aston Martin Racing in 2011. Kronos Racing owed its participation to the last-minute withdrawal of Highcroft Racing. The car was able to take its spot on the starting grid thanks to two Belgian teams, Kronos Racing and Marc VDS handling logistics. Vanina Ickx (daughter of six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx), Maxime Martin and Bas Leinders shared the wheel, the two latter drivers already veterans of the FIA-GT1 championship.

Impressive Reliability

Martin placed the #22 Lola Aston Martin in 12th position during qualifying with a time of 03:36.551, earning the Best Rookie trophy. During the race, the car lost a wheel, but did demonstrate remarkable reliability, and spectators around the circuit relished in the roar of the Aston Martin V12. The #22 had climbed to P8 overall 15 hours in, and in the end Leinders crossed the finish line in seventh place behind an Audi R18 TDi, four Peugeot 908s and Rebellion Racing's Lola-Toyota.

The 1990s Usher in the V12

As a result of their V-shaped 12-cylinder layout, V12 engines are all about power and sound, making them a favourite among motorsport enthusiasts. Jaguar made a splash with the victorious XJR-12 in 1990. Will the Aston Martin Valkyrie follow in the path of those legends? We'll find out in 2025!

Check out Kronos Racing's #22 Lola Aston Martin in the photo gallery below.