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July 15, 2025 – Aston Martin's V12-powered Valkyrie hypercar has completed a crucial shakedown test at the Silverstone Circuit, marking a significant step toward its highly anticipated return to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027. The test, which took place over two days under both dry and damp conditions, validated the car's powertrain integration, aerodynamic balance, and hybrid system calibration.
The Valkyrie, originally unveiled as a road-legal hypercar developed in collaboration with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, is being adapted for the WEC's Hypercar class. This test focused on endurance runs and driver feedback, with official Aston Martin Racing drivers and test engineers gathering data on tire wear, energy recovery, and chassis behavior at high-speed corners like Copse and Maggots.
Exclusive from the test team: According to a senior engineer who spoke on condition of anonymity, the V12 engine, producing over 1,000 horsepower in road trim, has been detuned slightly for reliability and fuel-efficiency targets, while still delivering “a visceral, naturally aspirated sound that no other Hypercar can match.” The hybrid system, sourced from a partner supplier, underwent its first full race-distance simulation without major issues.
The 2027 WEC entry is part of Aston Martin’s broader motorsport strategy, which also includes a return to the Formula 1 grid as a works team. The Valkyrie’s Hypercar program is expected to compete against rivals like Toyota Gazoo Racing, Ferrari AF Corse, and Porsche Penske Motorsport. The Silverstone test also helped the team identify cooling requirements for the V12 under sustained high loads, leading to a revised duct layout for the next iteration.
Why this matters: The Valkyrie’s participation would mark the first time a production-derived V12 hypercar has contested the WEC’s top class since the 1990s. Fans and analysts have long debated whether a normally aspirated engine can match the hybrid turbocharged powertrains currently dominating the field. Early telemetry from Silverstone indicates the Valkyrie is competitive on power-to-weight ratio, though its fuel consumption remains a concern in longer stints.
Aston Martin Racing has not yet confirmed the driver lineup for the 2027 campaign, but insiders suggest that former F1 drivers and current factory pilots are under consideration. The team is also evaluating a potential entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the Valkyrie would be a fan favorite given its road-car heritage.
Looking ahead: The next test is scheduled for September at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where the Valkyrie will run with updated electronics and a revised energy recovery system. The car’s homologation for WEC is expected to be finalized by mid-2026, with a full season of racing preceding the 2027 debut.
The Silverstone test represents more than just a technical milestone – it’s a statement of intent from Aston Martin, which aims to leverage its road-car halo model to build a new era of endurance racing success. The V12 engine, an increasingly rare breed in motorsport, could become the heart of a championship contender if reliability and efficiency targets are met.
