Yahoo Autos Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH Unveils at Initial Test Days
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Aston Martin’s Valkyrie AMR-LMH, the brand's latest entry into the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA SportsCar Championship, has made its public debut through a series of crucial test days. These early tests mark the car’s first steps in its development journey before its competitive launch in 2025.
The Valkyrie AMR-LMH made its initial appearance on track at Silverstone’s Grand Prix Circuit on Tuesday, followed by a subsequent session at Donington Park on Thursday. These tests, labeled as "shakedown and initial evaluation testing" by Aston Martin and their U.S.-based partner, Heart of Racing, were crucial in assessing the car's performance and reliability.
Veteran Aston Martin driver Darren Turner, Heart of Racing's Mario Farnbacher, and Multimatic Motorsports' Harry Tincknell were the test drivers. Official photos from the Donington Park session showcase the Valkyrie AMR-LMH in a striking camouflage livery, highlighting its sleek design and advanced aerodynamics.
The car, powered by a bespoke Cosworth 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, covered over 300 miles across the two test sessions. This testing followed an initial systems check on Silverstone's Stowe Circuit with former Aston driver Stefan Mucke at the helm.
Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s head of endurance motorsport, expressed optimism about the preliminary results: "Although it’s early days, the AMR-LMH is meeting our initial expectations, and we’re confident about its development trajectory."
Ian James, team principal at Heart of Racing, echoed this sentiment, noting, "Seeing the Valkyrie AMR-LMH on track is a milestone for our team and the project as a whole. We are eager to compete against the best and represent Aston Martin at the highest level."
While Aston Martin has hinted that the Valkyrie AMR-LMH might delay its competitive debut beyond the Daytona 24 Hours, aiming instead for the start of the WEC season in Qatar, no official confirmation has been made. The target for homologation is set for autumn this year, which could still allow for participation in the IMSA season-opener if the schedule permits.
Heart of Racing plans to field two Valkyrie AMR-LMHs in the WEC, adhering to the 2025 regulations requiring factory teams to operate two cars, and a single entry in IMSA.
