Aston Martin is optimistic about its Valkyrie Hypercar after the opening race in Qatar, showing competitive pace despite learning challenges. The team aims to enhance performance and compete effectively against established rivals, gathering valuable insights for future races.
Aston Martin expressed optimism after the Qatar 1812km race, the first event of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season. The performance of its new Valkyrie Hypercar left the team feeling confident it can compete against established rivals. The Valkyries, run by the Aston Martin THOR Team, participated against a lineup including Alpine, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, and Toyota at Lusail International Circuit.
In their global race debut, the Valkyries qualified 16th and 18th. Despite the finishing positions, the 007 driver Marco Sørenson showcased impressive speed, achieving two purple sectors during the first hour. His teammate, Tom Gamble, recorded the fastest lap for the team, challenging competitors from leading brands and nearing the Ferrari’s top time.
Gamble reflected on the event as a positive learning experience, stating, “It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster… We learned so much – both about the car and how the team works together.” He expressed eagerness to improve before their next race at Imola, emphasizing the honor of being part of the Valkyrie’s debut.
The 007 entry faced a transmission issue and had to withdraw, while the 009, driven by Sørenson, Alex Riberas, and Roman De Angelis, finished 17th despite setbacks, such as a replaced door. Sørenson noted the significance of completing the first race, acknowledging that while challenges remain, they are moving forward with the potential for the Valkyrie.
Aston Martin recognizes the debut race as a development phase, with Head of Endurance Adam Carter mentioning the learning experiences and promising pace shown during the event. The data collected is anticipated to help enhance performance in the upcoming races.
Team Principal Ian James highlighted the team’s cohesion and hard work, stating, “We saw real evidence of what the car is capable of… and we can fight with our rival teams and manufacturers.” He emphasized the potential for growth as they continue to refine the Valkyrie in this new chapter of racing.
Aston Martin’s debut of the Valkyrie Hypercar in the WEC has been a cautious yet promising start. Despite technical challenges, the team’s performance indicated significant potential for competitiveness in future races. The learning curve appears steep, but with valuable data and team synergy, Aston Martin is positioned for continual improvement as they aim to establish themselves against seasoned rivals.
Original Source: www.fiawec.com
