Aston Martin is taking on one of North America’s most demanding endurance races with a car that redefines performance. The Valkyrie hypercar is making its IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship debut at the legendary 12 Hours of Sebring. This marks a historic moment for the British marque.
A Historic First for Aston Martin
The Valkyrie is the first Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) from Aston Martin. It is also the only one in IMSA’s premier GTP category derived from a road-legal model. Developed by Aston Martin and the THOR racing team, the Valkyrie combines race-proven aerodynamics with a modified 6.5-litre V12 engine. It’s capable of revving up to 11,000 rpm.
With its entry into IMSA, Aston Martin returns to the top tier of US sports car racing for the first time since 2011. That season saw multiple victories and podium finishes in the American Le Mans Series. This milestone highlights the brand’s commitment to endurance racing at the highest level.
Meet the Drivers Taking on Sebring
Aston Martin’s works driver lineup for the #23 Valkyrie is a mix of talent and experience.
- Roman De Angelis (Canada) – The 2022 IMSA GTD champion and former Aston Martin Race Academy winner.
- Ross Gunn (UK) – A proven race winner in the IMSA GTD and GTD Pro categories.
- Alex Riberas (Spain) – A THOR regular with a strong IMSA background and multiple GTD Pro race wins.
Gunn and De Angelis will contest the full IMSA season. Riberas will join them for Sebring and the season-ending Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.
The Challenge of Sebring
Sebring is one of the toughest circuits in endurance racing. The 12-hour race pushes cars and drivers to their limits with its high-speed straights, tight corners, and notoriously bumpy surface. It’s a true test of endurance, strategy, and mechanical reliability.
Gunn acknowledges the challenge ahead: “Sebring is one of the toughest events, both physically and mentally. We’re on a steep learning curve, but we’re ready to bring our best.”
Why This Debut Matters
Aston Martin’s entry into IMSA with the Valkyrie marks a significant moment in sports car racing. It’s the first LMH car to compete under IMSA regulations. This makes history as the only hypercar racing in both IMSA and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
With its distinctive blue livery and a 6.5-litre V12 producing an unmistakable roar, the Valkyrie is set to capture the hearts of American race fans.
Partner Teams Battling in GTD
- The Heart of Racing (THOR) – Aiming to add another IMSA podium finish after success at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.
- Van der Steur Racing – Targeting a strong result with their Vantage GT3 entry.
Aston Martin has a strong history at Sebring, with past victories including a GT1 win in 2005 with the DBR9. More recently, the Vantage GT3 has secured multiple podiums, reinforcing Aston Martin’s reputation in GT racing.
Looking Ahead
Sebring is a crucial test for the Valkyrie programme. Every mile provides valuable data as the team builds on its FIA WEC debut in Qatar. Aston Martin’s endurance racing future looks bright with this North American debut. It’s marking the next step in an exciting journey.
Will the Valkyrie live up to its promise and deliver a strong result at Sebring? What are your thoughts on Aston Martin’s return to top-flight endurance racing? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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