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Aston Martin Intensifies Valkyrie Hypercar Development at Silverstone
Aston Martin THOR Team recently conducted a dedicated test session at Silverstone with an upgraded Valkyrie Hypercar, aiming to refine performance and gather crucial data for its 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship campaign.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-08-20T12:12:00.000Z - 3 min read
Aston Martin's Hypercar initiative has entered an advanced phase following a recent development test at Silverstone. The British manufacturer deployed an evolved version of its Valkyrie prototype, driven by Ross Gunn and Harry Tincknell, to assess new performance avenues ahead of its anticipated return to the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2027.
The session was explicitly designed to evaluate a range of technical enhancements and compile extensive data. After nearly two competitive seasons, Aston Martin THOR Team is leveraging a deeper understanding of the Valkyrie's characteristics to identify areas for improvement and unlock further performance gains for the future.
Silverstone served as a deliberate choice for this pivotal test. As a historic hub for British motorsport and located near Aston Martin's AMR Technology Campus, the circuit offers familiar ground for rigorous evaluation. The venue's significance will only grow in 2027, as it rejoins the FIA WEC calendar to host the 6 Hours of Silverstone, providing Aston Martin with a home race for its Hypercar.
The Valkyrie has shown a clear upward trajectory in its competitive performances throughout 2026. In the FIA WEC, both team entries secured points at the 6 Hours of São Paulo, finishing sixth and ninth. The car has also demonstrated consistent potential in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, achieving six top-10 finishes from seven races, including a second-place on the road for the pairing of Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis.
Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s Head of Endurance Motorsport, noted that the team is “right at the beginning of this journey,” highlighting that the past 18 months have focused on observing and understanding the car's behaviour. He indicated that the manufacturer is now poised to translate this knowledge into tangible performance advancements. Team Principal Ian James echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the tested developments would shape the Valkyrie's technical direction moving forward, hinting that “there’s more to come.”
This concentrated development work underscores the team's commitment as it prepares for a high-profile 2027 season. With the FIA WEC calendar set to welcome Silverstone back, Aston Martin anticipates showcasing its Hypercar to local fans. Beyond that, the focus is firmly on the 95th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, scheduled for June 9-13, 2027, where the Valkyrie will aim to build a new chapter in its racing story.
From its origins as a road-going concept, the Valkyrie has been painstakingly adapted for endurance racing and is now in a continuous pursuit of peak performance. The recent Silverstone test marks a critical step in this evolution, signalling Aston Martin’s serious intent for top-tier competition in the coming seasons.