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Aston Martin has begun track testing an updated version of its Valkyrie LMH as it prepares for the carâs third campaign in the World Endurance Championship and the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2027.
The British manufacturer and its partner, The Heart of Racing, completed an initial rollout at Hinton Airfield on Monday and Tuesday before taking the non-hybrid prototype to Silverstone for its first full-fledged circuit test on Wednesday. Works drivers, including Harry Tincknell, were photographed driving the car during the running.
The test Valkyrie appeared in a semi-camouflage livery combining green, black, light blue and blue chequered patterns. Aston Martin captioned the release âValkyrie â The Sound of Evolutionâ, a clear reference to the naturally aspirated V12 engine whose distinctive sound has quickly become popular with motorsport fans.
Aston Martin has not disclosed which areas of the car have been changed. However, team principal Ian James and the manufacturerâs senior management previously indicated that the programme would use evo joker(s) to develop the Valkyrieâs aerodynamics and other areas.
The timing of the test suggests the team is now gathering the information needed to identify where the prototype can unlock more of its potential. The Silverstone running is only the first step in a broader test schedule, with further work planned at Austin on 9 September and Aragon on 15 September. Ferrari and Genesis will also be on track in Austin.
The programme will then move into three additional days of running between October and November at the Windshear wind tunnel. Data and specifications for all the prototypes are recorded there for final homologation, making the upcoming sessions important to the Valkyrieâs development path.
Aston Martin currently sits sixth in the WEC manufacturersâ standings, one point behind the more experienced Alpine. In IMSAâs GTP class, it is fifth and last after campaigning only a single car.
The challenge will increase in the WEC next year with Ford and McLaren joining the field. Fordâs preparations are already under way, as shown by its new LMDh Hypercarâs maiden shakedown. In IMSA, Acuraâs impending exit is expected to leave four manufacturers in the top class.
Aston Martinâs testing campaign therefore carries a clear objective: turn early data from the Valkyrieâs championship programme into targeted upgrades before the 2027 season begins.
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.