Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH Updates Ahead of 2026 Championship
The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH continues to make an impression in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Securing its first podium finish at Petit Le Mans last October, the Valkyrie has demonstrated its competitiveness against more established rivals.
As Aston Martin heads into a second year of competition, it will field a two-car effort in the WEC’s Hypercar category and a single entry in IMSA GTP. The primary objective for the upcoming 2026 season is to build on its initial success and improve championship standings.
Key Performances in 2025:
- Marco Sørensen led the Valkyrie’s breakout performances, qualifying the No. 009 Aston Martin THOR Team car for the Hyperpole session at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- At the 6 Hours of Fuji, Sørensen secured a season-best fifth place, with co-driver Alex Riberas leading laps for the first time.
Sørensen commented, “We have a decent package. Come Qatar, we need to get some proper points. The championship is at risk if we miss the first few races.”
Development Insights:
As the Valkyrie prepares for the November IMSA Sanctioned Test at Daytona, the team has opted not to use any of its five development ‘jokers’ yet. Team Principal Ian James emphasized that significant performance potential remains within the existing package, particularly concerning electronic tuning and control systems.
“We’re improving understanding of the car and the ride quality, which still needs refinement,” James noted.
Driver Cohesion:
The team’s driver lineup includes veterans and promising talents, with Sørensen and Harry Tincknell offering crucial experience. “We’re not team leaders, but we aim to be role models,” Sørensen stated, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the team.
Future Prospects:
Looking ahead, Mattia Drudi, who recently tested the Valkyrie, is positioned as a potential future driver in the Hypercar class. Having excelled in GT racing, Drudi expressed his aspirations: “It’s a solid program, and I’d love the opportunity to compete at that level.”
With the Valkyrie showing consistent progress and no major updates for the 2026 season, the Aston Martin THOR Team is poised to enhance its competitive stance as they continue refining their approach in this dynamic landscape of motorsports.
