Valkyrie AMR-LMH’s First Runs an “Immensely Proud” Moment

Aston Martin has confirmed that its Valkyrie AMR-LMH has completed initial track running ahead of a “comprehensive” testing program to prepare for dual FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship campaigns in 2025.

The V12-powered Hypercar was caught on camera running at Silverstone last week, with additional running having taken place at Donington Park.

The car underwent a shakedown and evaluation testing with Darren Turner, Mario Farnbacher and Harry Tincknell at the wheel.

With initial running completed, Aston Martin and partner squad Heart of Racing Team will shift focus to a full development schedule, with the goal to complete homologation in the fall.

Aston Martin has stated that the testing program is due to move from the UK to European circuits throughout the summer as increased focus is put on performance evaluation.

Adam Carter, the brand’s head of endurance motorsport, has previously indicated that the testing program will later be split between Europe and the U.S. once a “certain threshold milestone” has been reached.

“The Valkyrie AMR-LMH sets its own standard as a thoroughbred endurance competition car,” Carter said.

“It is a pure, leading edge racing machine, and while it is very early in the testing cycle, from what we have witnessed so far, we are satisfied that it is achieving the targets and criteria we have set out for it to accomplish.”

Heart of Racing team principal Ian James added: “The first runs for the Valkyrie AMR-LMH have been an immensely proud moment in the program.

“The birth of this project has been a couple of years in the making, so to get it to the track and to see it going around in the flesh, feels momentous for The Heart of Racing.

“We’re looking forward to the journey ahead – it’s a steep hill to climb for everyone involved in this project. We are at the pinnacle of sports car racing, the competitors are formidable, and they have been doing it a long time.

“Some of them have endless resources. We know we are going up against the best, so we intend to represent Aston Martin at the same level.

“I believe, from what we have seen so far, and with the DNA of where this car came from, I think we have the right tools to be able to do this successfully.”