The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH has hit the tarmac for the very first time, kicking off a rigorous testing program ahead of Aston Martin’s ambitious bid to clinch the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year.

It’s been a long time since 1959, and the British sportscar brand is ready to make history again.

Between now and next year’s Le Mans, a comprehensive development schedule is in order to get it race-ready for FIA homologation this autumn, aiming for a competitive debut in early 2025.

Notably, the Valkyrie AMR-LMH is the first to meet Hypercar regulations for both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the US-based IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA).

The Valkyrie AMR-LMH is largely based on the existing production-based Aston Martin Valkyrie. The Heart of Racing will field two of these contenders in WEC and one in IMSA come 2025.

Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance Motorsport, mentioned: “The Valkyrie AMR-LMH sets its own standard as a thoroughbred endurance competition car. It’s a pure, leading-edge racing machine, and while it’s early days, we’re thrilled with its performance targets and criteria.”

Underneath its race-optimised carbon-fibre chassis lies a modified, lean-burning Cosworth-built 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine. In its standard form, this engine revs up to 11,000 rpm and churns out over 1000bhp.

The Heart of Racing has set up its UK headquarters near Silverstone to oversee the development and testing of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH. This summer, the focus will shift to performance evaluation across various European circuits.

Ian James, Team Principal of The Heart of Racing, shared his sentiments: “Seeing the Valkyrie AMR-LMH on the track for the first time is an immensely proud moment. It’s a steep hill to climb, but we’re ready to represent Aston Martin at the pinnacle of sportscar racing. We believe we have the right tools to compete successfully.”

Aston Martin’s ambitions extend across the pond with plans for an IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Program, contesting the GTP class from The Heart of Racing’s Phoenix Headquarters.

This entry into the Hypercar class means Aston Martin will have a presence at every level of endurance racing. By 2025, Aston Martin will be the only manufacturer competing in all levels of sportscar and GT racing, as well as the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.