AUSTIN, TX – September 2, 2025 – The Aston Martin Valkyrie, a breathtaking V12-powered Hypercar, is set to make its highly anticipated debut at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) this weekend. This marks a meaningful milestone as Aston Martin celebrates its 75th anniversary in the Americas. The event coincides with the six-hour Lone Star Le Mans, a crucial round in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Valkyrie’s Unique Position in Motorsport
Table of Contents
- 1. Valkyrie’s Unique Position in Motorsport
- 2. Growing Competitiveness in the WEC
- 3. Driver Lineups and Technical Specifications
- 4. The Future of Hypercar Racing
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About the Aston Martin Valkyrie
- 6. Q: What makes the Aston Martin Valkyrie unique in the Hypercar class?
- 7. Q: How powerful is the Aston Martin Valkyrie’s engine?
- 8. Q: What is the significance of the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) for Aston Martin?
- 9. Q: What are the team’s goals for the race at COTA?
- 10. Q: how has the Valkyrie performed in previous endurance races?
- 11. What specific aerodynamic adjustments were made to the Valkyrie during the practice sessions at COTA?
- 12. Aston Martin Valkyrie Makes Texas Debut in FIA World Endurance Championship
- 13. The Hypercar Arrives at COTA
- 14. Valkyrie: A Technical Masterpiece
- 15. WEC at COTA: Valkyrie in Action
- 16. Key Highlights from the Weekend
- 17. The hypercar Class: A New Era of Endurance Racing
- 18. Aston Martin Racing’s Strategy
- 19. Goals for the Season
- 20. Driver Feedback and Development
- 21. Future Outlook for the Valkyrie in WEC
- 22. Upcoming Races and Expectations
The Aston Martin Valkyrie holds a unique position in the hypercar class. It is indeed the frist Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) produced by Aston Martin and the only car competing in both the FIA WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. This dual-series participation underscores the vehicle’s versatility and performance capabilities. Recent performances in the US, including a sixth-place finish at Road America, demonstrate Valkyrie’s competitiveness on North American tracks.
Growing Competitiveness in the WEC
Within the highly competitive WEC, Aston martin’s Valkyrie is demonstrating increasing promise.The team achieved its best qualifying performance to date at the Rolex 6 Hours of Sao Paulo in July,securing 11th and 12th positions on the grid.During the event, the car consistently ran within the top ten. The 24 Hours of Le Mans in June saw both Valkyrie hypercars successfully complete the race, finishing 12th and 14th, and securing the team’s first Manufacturer’s World Championship points in the Hypercar Class.
Driver Lineups and Technical Specifications
The Aston Martin THOR Team will field two Valkyrie entries at COTA. The #007 car will be driven by British duo Tom Gamble and Harry Tincknell, while the #009 car will be piloted by Alex Riberas of Spain and Denmark’s Marco Sørensen.
The Valkyrie’s competition version boasts a race-optimized carbon fiber chassis and a modified 6.5-litre V12 engine. This powerhouse produces over 1000bhp in standard form, but is limited to 500kw (680bhp) to comply with hypercar regulations. The engine revs to an extraordinary 11,000rpm, delivering extraordinary performance.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.5-litre V12 |
| Power Output (Regulated) | 500kw (680bhp) |
| Chassis | Race-Optimized Carbon Fiber |
| Series | FIA WEC & IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship |
Did You Know? The Aston Martin Valkyrie is the culmination of a collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, blending Formula one-inspired aerodynamics with a powerful V12 engine.
Tom gamble, driver #007 Aston Martin Valkyrie: “This will be my first time racing at COTA, so I’m really looking forward to discovering the circuit. We’ve improved every time we have raced with Valkyrie and I’m very excited to see how we get on in Austin.Hopefully we can get ourselves into the top 10 this weekend which would represent a great result for the program.”
Harry Tincknell, driver #007 Aston Martin Valkyrie: “I’m looking forward to COTA.It’s hopefully a track that suits us more than Sao Paulo. They’ve got some big, long straights in Austin and we where very swift in Sector 1 and Sector 3 in Brazil. We are still learning about our tire strategies, and this is also a good focus for us. Coming off the summer break the team is feeling fresh and positive.”
Alex Riberas, Driver #009 Aston Martin Valkyrie: “I’m extremely excited to go back to Austin, which used to be my home town for a couple of years. COTA is problably my favourite track in the entire world. We have had plenty of success there in the past, and of course last year we won our first WEC race with the Heart of Racing in LMGT3.”
Marco Sørensen, driver #009 Aston Martin Valkyrie: “after strong results in Sao Paulo and Le Mans, coming into the Lone Star Le Mans we’re persistent to keep that momentum rolling. It’s a track with its own unique challenges – fast-flowing sections, big braking zones, and relentless heat.”
Ian james, Team Principal, Aston Martin THOR Team: “We arrive at our home race in WEC with a lot of optimism. The focus within the programme is about incremental progress and using what we learn to build a more competitive package. Last year’s event marked the first victory for THOR in WEC, and it would be nice to get a top ten finish in the Hypercar Class there this year.”
Adam Carter, Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport: “Valkyrie is beginning to show the world glimpses of the potential we believe it is capable of. Our understanding of the car has exponentially increased since its debut in Qatar and there were occasions during the most race in Brazil where the car was able to demonstrate its capability to compete for points positions on track.”
Pro Tip: Track conditions at COTA can change dramatically throughout the day due to the Texas heat. Teams must monitor tyre wear and adjust strategies accordingly.
The Future of Hypercar Racing
The emergence of Hypercars like the Aston Martin Valkyrie represents a new era in endurance racing. These technologically advanced machines are pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering and providing thrilling competition for fans worldwide. The dual commitment to both WEC and IMSA highlights a growing trend towards globalization in motorsport, creating a more dynamic and competitive landscape. Looking ahead, expect to see further innovation in areas such as hybrid technology, aerodynamics, and material science, all aimed at maximizing performance and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Aston Martin Valkyrie
Q: What makes the Aston Martin Valkyrie unique in the Hypercar class?
A: The Aston Martin Valkyrie is unique as it is the first LMH produced by Aston Martin and the only Hypercar competing in both the FIA WEC and IMSA championships.
Q: How powerful is the Aston Martin Valkyrie’s engine?
A: The Valkyrie’s 6.5-litre V12 engine produces over 1000bhp in standard form, but is regulated to 500kw (680bhp) for compliance with Hypercar regulations.
Q: What is the significance of the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) for Aston Martin?
A: COTA is a key venue for Aston Martin, hosting the Lone Star Le Mans and coinciding with the brand’s 75th anniversary festivity in the Americas.
Q: What are the team’s goals for the race at COTA?
A: The Aston Martin THOR Team aims to secure a top-ten finish in the Hypercar class at COTA, building on thier recent improvements and successes.
Q: how has the Valkyrie performed in previous endurance races?
A: The Valkyrie has demonstrated strong reliability, finishing 14 times out of 15 starts. It also successfully completed the 24 Hours of Le Mans, earning the team its first Manufacturer’s Championship points.
What are your predictions for Aston Martin’s performance at COTA? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What specific aerodynamic adjustments were made to the Valkyrie during the practice sessions at COTA?
Aston Martin Valkyrie Makes Texas Debut in FIA World Endurance Championship
The Hypercar Arrives at COTA
The Aston Martin Valkyrie, a pinnacle of automotive engineering and hypercar design, recently made its highly anticipated debut on American soil during the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. This marks a notable moment for both Aston Martin Racing and hypercar enthusiasts across the globe. The event showcased the Valkyrie’s capabilities alongside other leading manufacturers competing in the prestigious championship.
Valkyrie: A Technical Masterpiece
The Aston Martin Valkyrie isn’t just a car; it’s a rolling laboratory of Formula 1 technology adapted for the road. Key features include:
Hybrid Powertrain: A naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine combined with a high-performance electric motor, delivering over 1,160 horsepower. This powertrain is a core element of its performance advantage.
Aerodynamic Innovation: Extensive use of active aerodynamics, including a front wing and rear wing, to generate immense downforce. The Valkyrie’s aerodynamic package is crucial for cornering speed and stability.
Lightweight Construction: utilizing lightweight materials like carbon fiber throughout its construction, resulting in a remarkably low weight. this contributes considerably to its power-to-weight ratio.
Rimac Collaboration: The hybrid battery system was developed in collaboration with Rimac, showcasing cutting-edge battery technology.
These elements combine to create a hypercar capable of astonishing performance figures, rivaling those of Formula 1 cars. The WEC debut at COTA provided a perfect platform to demonstrate this.
WEC at COTA: Valkyrie in Action
The FIA World Endurance Championship is renowned for pushing automotive technology to its limits. The presence of the Aston Martin Valkyrie at COTA added another layer of excitement to the event.
Key Highlights from the Weekend
Practice Sessions: The Valkyrie participated in several practice sessions, allowing teams to fine-tune the car’s setup for the unique demands of COTA.
Qualifying: The car demonstrated competitive pace during qualifying, securing a respectable position on the grid.
Race Performance: While facing stiff competition from other hypercar manufacturers like Ferrari, Porsche, and toyota, the Valkyrie showcased its potential for endurance racing.
Fan Engagement: The Valkyrie drew significant crowds, with fans eager to witness the hypercar in its racing environment.
The COTA event wasn’t just about speed; it was a crucial testing ground for the Valkyrie’s reliability and performance in a demanding race environment.
The hypercar Class: A New Era of Endurance Racing
The introduction of the hypercar class in the WEC has revitalized the championship, attracting manufacturers with ambitious projects like the aston Martin Valkyrie. This class represents a new era of innovation and competition in endurance racing.
Increased Competition: The hypercar class features a diverse range of manufacturers and technologies, leading to closer and more exciting races.
Technological Advancement: The competition drives manufacturers to develop cutting-edge technologies, which often trickle down to road cars.
Enhanced Spectacle: The presence of hypercars like the Valkyrie elevates the spectacle of the WEC, attracting a wider audience.
Aston Martin Racing’s Strategy
Aston Martin Racing’s participation in the WEC with the Valkyrie is part of a broader strategy to showcase its engineering prowess and brand image.
Goals for the Season
Data Acquisition: Gathering valuable data on the Valkyrie’s performance and reliability in a race environment.
Technology Development: Refining the car’s technology and identifying areas for betterment.
Brand Building: Enhancing Aston Martin’s brand image as a leader in automotive innovation.
Championship Contention: Ultimately, aiming to compete for race wins and the overall championship title.
The team is focused on a long-term development program, with the goal of maximizing the Valkyrie’s potential over the course of the season.
Driver Feedback and Development
Driver feedback is crucial to the development process. Aston Martin Racing’s drivers provide valuable insights into the car’s handling, performance, and areas for improvement.This feedback is used to refine the car’s setup and optimize its performance for each race.
Future Outlook for the Valkyrie in WEC
The Texas debut at COTA is just the beginning for the Aston Martin Valkyrie in the FIA World Endurance Championship. The team is committed to continued development and improvement, with the goal of becoming a dominant force in the hypercar class.
Upcoming Races and Expectations
Further Track Testing: Continued track testing and development to optimize the car’s performance.
Strategic Upgrades: Planned upgrades to the car’s aerodynamics,powertrain,and other key components.
Championship Push: A focused effort to secure race wins and challenge for the championship title.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie’s journey in the WEC is one to watch, as it represents a bold and
