Aston Martin Aims for Valkyrie to ‘Show Competitively’ in Year One

Image: Aston Martin

Aston Martin is aiming to ‘show competitively’ in the Valkyrie AMR-LMH’s first season of racing as the brand is preparing to take on a joint FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship campaign, according to head of endurance Adam Carter.

The Valkyrie will make its competitive debut later this month at the Qatar 1812km, before it becomes the first car built to LMH regulations to join the WeatherTech Championship’s GTP class at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

Tom Gamble, Marco Sorensen, Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis were revealed as the final four names for the Heart of Racing Team-operated program, with the latter two drivers forming the full season WeatherTech Championship pairing.

Speaking to selected media, Carter laid out realistic ambitions for the Valkyrie AMR-LMH’s first season of competition, hoping to gain a place amidst the increasingly competitive top-class prototype field.

“We fully respect the caliber of the competition,” Carter said. “We always have done and that’s actually part of why Aston Martin Racing want to compete in both WEC and IMSA.

“There’s really [a] point in going if the competition is strong to show your wares.

“And so because we respect it, if we can complete this year having shown competitively, then I will take that as a good position.”

Aston Martin touted a figure of 15,000 kilometers (9,320 miles) completed in testing since the car was rolled out in July last year, with that running taking place on circuits in Europe, the Middle East and the U.S.

Carter noted that pre-race testing for the car is now effectively completed, with further outings planned in-season in order to prepare for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.

“We are now, as we’ve entered this year, fully focused on going to the first race events,” said Carter.

“[We] have testing planned throughout the year to extend our mileage. In particular, and probably no surprise to anybody, that will look to continue to test ahead of Le Mans.

“The testing regulations kick in effectively for us once we scrutineer for the first race event in Qatar in a few weeks time.

“So effectively, we’ve stopped our testing now ahead of the first race, other than shakedowns, etcetera, before shipping cars.

“And then we will continue to do test endurance mileage, etcetera, as permitted by the regulation limits ahead of Le Mans.”

Carter: “Mixed Capabilities” in Heart of Racing Driver Lineup

Carter also gave some insight about the selection process for the Valkyrie lineup, noting that the choice was made to go for a mix of drivers with prototype experience and a more GT-focused background.

“Obviously we’ve mixed the drivers throughout testing,” said Carter.

“We’ve mixed the capabilities throughout the testing period, so that we can take a reflection on that point and see how well [they] adapt in terms of those with the experience and those without.

“So we set out with a view of who we thought could be in the driver lineups and we’ve effectively done our due diligence by going and comparing against the relative references to actually decide on the final crews.”

Of note is the inclusion of Gamble, who wrapped up a two-year tenure as a McLaren factory driver to join the program.

During his time with McLaren, he made sporadic appearances with Heart of Racing in the WeatherTech Championship, but has also taken LMP2 race wins in the European Le Mans Series with United Autosports.

“Ultimately when he raced with Heart of Racing and Aston Martin, he presented himself very well,” said Carter.

“He showed a level of maturity and capability in his talents and he has been on the radar along there. He’s raced with other brands since. He’s seen his opportunity.

“He comes from a background of racing downforce and he’s adapted. We tested him in the car and he showed very well.

“His feedback was very good and aligned with what we’re expecting. So he’s earned his seat purely on merit of he was given the opportunity and he’s grasped it.”