Aston Martin expressed optimism regarding the Valkyrie Hypercar’s debut at the Qatar 1812km, showcasing promising performance despite challenges. The race served as a valuable learning experience for the team, with both models demonstrating competitive speed. Expectations for improvement and future success remain high as the season continues.
Aston Martin has expressed optimism regarding the performance of its Valkyrie Hypercar, showcased during the Qatar 1812km, which commenced the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship season. After a significant testing phase, both Valkyrie models participated in the race at Lusail International Circuit, facing off against competitors such as Alpine, BMW, and Toyota, marking a historic chapter for the British marque.
The Valkyries started the race in the 16th and 18th positions. Despite these placements, they displayed commendable speed and performance as they adapted to race conditions. Marco Sørenson, a three-time FIA WEC class champion, delivered impressive performances, achieving two purple sectors. His teammate, Tom Gamble, secured the fastest lap for the team, closely competing with seasoned drivers from renowned manufacturers.
Gamble described the eventful experience as a positive learning opportunity that enriched their understanding of both the vehicle and team dynamics. He emphasized the need for continuous improvement ahead of the subsequent race in Imola, expressing excitement about the future potential of the Valkyrie.
While the 007 model ultimately withdrew due to a transmission failure, the 009 model, driven by Sørenson, Alex Riberas, and Roman De Angelis, finished the race in 17th position, despite complications during the second hour. Sørenson acknowledged the achievement and highlighted the significant growth potential still to be realized.
Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance, recognized the race as a vital learning experience, noting both the ‘teething issues’ typical of new racing programs and the encouraging speed exhibited by the cars. He emphasized the importance of the data collected and its value for future enhancements.
Team Principal Ian James echoed this sentiment, stating that the team had successfully gelled and that there was evident potential in the Valkyrie. He reassured that, while there remains a journey ahead, the competitive spirit of the team assures that they can contend with established rivals as they progress.
Overall, Aston Martin’s debut of the Valkyrie in the Hypercar category demonstrated both challenges and opportunities, paving the way for further growth and improvement in future races.
In conclusion, Aston Martin’s debut of the Valkyrie Hypercar at the Qatar 1812km highlighted both challenges and progress. Although faced with technical issues, the demonstrated speed and potential indicate a promising future. The team’s commitment to learning and improvement is evident as they prepare for the next race at Imola. With substantial data collected, expectations are high for the Valkyrie’s ongoing development in the competitive Hypercar category.
Original Source: www.fiawec.com
