Aston Martin to enter FIA WEC from 2025 with Valkyrie Hypercar

Through backing of Aston Martin’s endurance racing partner Heart of Racing [HoR], at least one Valkyrie racecar will be entered in the WEC from 2025. Aston Martin’s entry into the Hypercar class ensures that the prestigious sportscar manufacturer will have a presence in all aspects of endurance racing from the gentleman racer through to the very pinnacle of the sport.

Indeed, from 2025, Aston Martin will be the only manufacturer competing at all levels of sportscar and GT racing (from Hypercar to GT4) and Formula 1.

This is made possible through an additional announcement today of Aston Martin’s commitment to building and preparing all-new GT3 and GT4 cars, based on the Vantage platform, which will conform to all existing and new GT rule-sets, including the new-for- 2024 LMGT3 regulations that replace the outgoing GTE class in WEC. This new GT challenger will be available for existing Aston Martin Racing partners and prospective customers to purchase and compete with for the beginning of the 2024 racing season.

The new Valkyrie Hypercar will use a modified version of the Cosworth-built 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, which in standard form revs to 11,000rpm and develops over 1000bhp. The power unit will be enhanced further to incorporate the critical Balance of Performance requirements of the Hypercar class and developed to withstand the rigours of top level long-distance competition. As with the Valkyrie AMR Pro track-car, the battery-electric hybrid system that features on the road-specification Valkyrie is absent from the race car.

Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda: “Performance is the lifeblood of everything that we do at Aston Martin, and motorsport is the ultimate expression of this pursuit of excellence… In addition to our presence in Formula 1, Aston Martin’s return to the pinnacle of endurance racing will allow us to build a deeper connection with our customers and community, many of whom found their passion for the brand through our past success at Le Mans.”

Frédéric Lequien, FIA WEC CEO: “It is an honour to have such a prestigious brand as Aston Martin join the WEC’s Hypercar category from 2025. Aston Martin has been hugely successful in our GT classes over the years and to have confirmation that the Valkyrie will join our Hypercar grid, as well as continuing its GT racing chapter, is very exciting. Today’s announcement is excellent news for motor racing fans everywhere and we are delighted that Aston Martin will continue its endurance racing journey with the WEC. With so many manufacturers committing to the WEC, the future of our championship has never looked better.”

Click HERE to read the full press release from Aston Martin.