Aston Martin confirms first two Valkyrie Hypercar drivers
Aston Martin THOR Team has revealed the identity of two of the drivers that will take to the track in its Valkyrie Hypercar in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2025, as the British manufacturer prepares to revive famous racing numbers 007 and 009.
The eagerly-anticipated Valkyrie – set to make its world championship debut in the Qatar 1812km on 28 February – is currently nearing the completion of its pre-homologation testing programme. It will spearhead the ultra-luxury performance brand’s bid to secure overall honours in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time since 1959.
Two of the drivers behind the wheel will be Britain’s Harry Tincknell and Spain’s Alex Riberas, both of whom have extensive experience of racing Aston Martins during their careers and have played key roles in the development and preparation of the stunning new Valkyrie.
Tincknell rejoins the Aston Martin fold after four years. The last time the 33-year-old competed for the manufacturer, he triumphed in the LMGTE Pro class at Le Mans alongside Alex Lynn and Maxime Martin in an Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE. The former European Le Mans Series champion and 12 Hours of Sebring winner will drive the #007 Valkyrie.
“It’s an absolute honour to return to Aston Martin for the Valkyrie programme,” Tincknell enthused. “I believe the car will be a firm fan-favourite with its amazing looks and the incredible sound of its V12 engine. Aston Martin has an incredible history in sportscar racing, and this really is a ‘pinch myself’ moment.
“It’s been exciting to be part of the initial development testing, and the DNA of the car feels strong. I’m very proud of the hard work put in so far as we build towards the first race. Everyone at Aston Martin THOR Team has made me feel very welcome, and I know I’m joining a professional outfit. I have great memories of Le Mans in 2020, and the aim is to repeat that feat with the Valkyrie.”
Riberas – an established pillar of Heart of Racing Team – will form part of the #009 Valkyrie crew. The Spaniard has earned his place in the top-flight following a stellar season in FIA WEC’s LMGT3 division, which yielded victory at COTA and two further podium finishes.
“It’s a great honour to be chosen as a driver for such an exciting project,” acknowledged the Barcelona native. “I have been a member of Heart of Racing Team for the past ten years, and to continue my journey with them – now at the pinnacle of endurance racing – is simply a dream come true.
“On top of this, to be given the opportunity to represent such an iconic brand as Aston Martin, which has a remarkable history both in sportscar racing and at Le Mans, is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. The Valkyrie is the most spectacular car I’ve ever driven, and it sounds amazing, so to be able to share it with motorsport fans all over the world is something I am very much looking forward to. ”
The full driver line-up for Aston Martin THOR Team’s 2025 WEC Hypercar assault will be announced in due course.
