Aston Martin’s Valkyrie Hypercar Shows Potential at Qatar 1812km Race

Aston Martin expressed optimism after the Qatar 1812km race, indicating that their Valkyrie Hypercar showed promising speed and capability against fierce competition. Despite some setbacks, the team remains focused on learning and improving as they progress through the 2025 FIA WEC season.

Aston Martin left the Qatar 1812km race, the inaugural event of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), feeling optimistic about the potential of its Valkyrie Hypercar. The team expressed confidence in their ability to compete effectively against notable rivals, including Alpine, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Peugeot, Porsche, and Toyota, as they progress through the season.

Despite starting from the 16th and 18th positions on the grid for the ten-hour race, the Valkyries demonstrated commendable speed and teamwork. Marco Sørenson, a three-time FIA WEC class champion, recorded two purple sectors, while his teammate Tom Gamble clocked the fastest lap of the race, showcasing their competitive edge against major competitors.

Reflecting on the experience, Tom Gamble emphasized the invaluable learning opportunities presented during the event. “In order for us to eventually win, we need to learn and improve… It’s going to be a really exciting year!” he remarked, highlighting the team’s development objectives and eagerness to participate in future races.

Although the 007 Aston Martin Valkyrie, driven by Gamble, Tincknell, and Gunn, withdrew due to transmission issues, the 009 car, handled by Sørenson, Riberas, and De Angelis, finished 17th despite facing challenges. Sørenson expressed pride in completing their first race, recognizing the need for improvements while remaining positive about their performance potential.

Aston Martin THOR Team’s leadership acknowledged the learning curve associated with a new racing program, with Adam Carter stating, “We were encouraged by the pace both cars showed during their stints.” Team Principal Ian James echoed this sentiment, noting the successful teamwork that allowed them to gauge their competitiveness against established rivals while remaining focused on future developments.

In summary, Aston Martin’s participation in the Qatar 1812km race highlighted the promising potential of their Valkyrie Hypercar. The team’s ability to perform under pressure and their determination to learn and progress sets a positive foundation for future races. With continuous improvements and data analysis, Aston Martin aims to emerge as a formidable competitor in the hypercar category of endurance racing. As the season unfolds, the team’s commitment to developing the Valkyrie will be instrumental in achieving their competitive goals.

Original Source: www.fiawec.com