Newey's Aston Martin Valkyrie to race at Le Mans in 2021

40

Aston Martin has announced that it will enter its Adrian Newey-designed Valkyrie hypercar into the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2021.

The World Endurance Championship's upcoming change of regulations will allow for hypercars to be entered into the series' 2019/20 super season.

The Valkyrie is the brainchild of Red Bull Racing's Newey who worked alongside Marek Reichman and David King.

For Le Mans, where Aston Martin will enter two cars, the Valkyrie will be powered by a souped-up version of its normally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine.

Nostalgic for a glorious 90s F1 sound? Listen to the Valkyrie's V12 engine

"We have always said that we would one day bring Aston Martin back to Le Mans with the intention of going for the outright win when the time was right – now is that time," said Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO Andy Palmer

"David Brown came here in 1959, with a car and a team of drivers capable of winning. We intend to do the same in 2021.

"The Aston Martin Valkyrie is primed for such a challenge and sits perfectly within the ACO’s new ‘hypercar’ rule framework.

"Bringing to bear all of our previous experience and knowledge of competing at the top levels of motorsport, we embark on this most ambitious project with the necessary ingredients for success.

"What could be more evocative than the wail of an Aston Martin V12 leading the charge into the night on the Mulsanne straight?"

Aston Martin Vice President and Chief Special Operations Officer David King added:

"The FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans represent the ultimate challenge for the Aston Martin Valkyrie – the world’s most extreme hypercar.

"Designed and built with the purpose of pushing boundaries on the road, it’s natural to conclude that the next stage in its development would be to measure its capabilities on the track.

"I can think of no better way to do that than to compete in a world championship and the most prestigious and famous race of all."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.