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Aston Martin Valkyrie Hypercar Set For Competitive Debut At Sebring's Prestigious Endurance Race
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is set to make its competitive debut in the United States at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. This marks a significant milestone for Aston Martin as the Valkyrie becomes the first hypercar to compete in both the IMSA and FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) series. The race will feature drivers Alex Riberas, Roman De Angelis, and Ross Gunn.
The Valkyrie is a unique entry in IMSA's premier GTP category, derived from a road-legal hypercar. Developed by Aston Martin and THOR, it features a carbon fibre chassis and a modified 6.5-litre V12 engine. This engine can produce over 1000bhp but is limited to 680bhp according to hypercar regulations.
Roman De Angelis, who won the IMSA GTD championship in 2022, teams up with Ross Gunn for the season. They are joined by Alex Riberas at Sebring and for the season finale at Road Atlanta. Riberas brings extensive experience from his full-time campaign with Valkyrie in the FIA WEC.
Ross Gunn expressed excitement about racing at Sebring, stating, "Sebring this year is a very important event for us... I’m really looking forward to getting out there." He acknowledged the challenges posed by Sebring but emphasized their preparation.
Aston Martin has a rich history in US sportscar racing, last competing at this level in 2011. That season saw five victories and seven podiums in the American Le Mans Series. The Valkyrie's entry marks Aston Martin's return to top-tier US racing after more than a decade.
Ian James, Team Principal of Aston Martin THOR Team, highlighted the significance of joining IMSA's top class: "To be bringing this incredible hypercar to the American race fans is a precious moment for us all." He noted that their debut in Qatar provided valuable learning experiences.
Vantage GT3's Quest for Success
While Valkyrie competes in GTP, Aston Martin also aims for victory in GTD with its Vantage GT3. The Heart of Racing (THOR) and Van der Steur Racing field this model. The Vantage GT3 shares architecture with Aston Martin’s sportscars and boasts a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine.
The Heart of Racing seeks another podium finish following success at Daytona earlier this year. Their line-up includes Zacharie Robichon, Tom Gamble, and Casper Stevenson—all experienced racers eager for success at Sebring.
Challenges and Expectations
Sebring presents unique challenges due to its demanding nature as both a venue and race. Adam Carter, Head of Endurance Motorsport at Aston Martin, emphasized these tests' importance: "Every mile builds data and understanding as we build on the car’s debut in Qatar."
The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring begins on Saturday, March 15th at 10:10 AM local time (+5 GMT). Fans worldwide can watch live broadcasts on IMSA TV or YouTube channel along with selected national broadcasters.
Aston Martin continues its legacy by introducing groundbreaking vehicles like Valkyrie into prestigious competitions such as IMSA’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship while maintaining strong performances across various categories including GTD through models like Vantage GT3.
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