Aston Martin THOR (The Heart Of Racinge) has selected two drivers who have played a key role in developing and preparing the Valkyrie AMR-LMH to race the British hypercar next year – Alex Riberas and Harry Tincknell.

Harry Tincknell is returning to Aston Martin after four years away. He last drove for the British marque in 2020, when he won the LMGTE Pro class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, sharing driving duties with Alex Lynn and Maxime Martin in a Vantage GTE. The 2016 European Le Mans Series champion and winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2020 will take command of the #007 Valkyrie. “It’s an absolute honour to return to Aston Martin for the Valkyrie programme,” he said. “I believe the car will be a firm fan favourite with its amazing looks and the incredible sound of the V12 engine.” It’s been exciting to be a part of the initial development testing, and the DNA of the car feels strong. I’m very proud of the hard work everyone has put in so far as we build towards the first race. Everyone at Aston Martin THOR Team has made me feel very welcome and I know I’m joining a professional outfit.”  

Alex Riberas is a factory driver at The Heart Of Racing and will take the wheel of the #009 car. The Spaniard will be moving up to the premium racing class after an outstanding season in the Aston Martin #27 Vantage AMR LMGT3. He took victories in the FIA WEC LMGT3 class and in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD Pro class. “It is a great honour to be chosen as a driver for such an exciting project,” he affirms. “I have been a part of The Heart of Racing for the past 10 years and to be able to continue my journey with them, now at the pinnacle of endurance racing, is simply a dream come true. To be given the opportunity to represent such an iconic brand as Aston Martin, which has such a remarkable history both in sportscar racing and at Le Mans, is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.  The Aston Martin Valkyrie is the most spectacular car I have ever driven, and it sounds amazing, so to be able to share it with the fans of motorsport all over the world is something I am very much looking forward to.”

12,500 km of tests

Aston Martin THOR Team principal Ian James said, “Both drivers have shown the relevant blend of patience, speed and dedication to the team through the testing phase of the Aston Martin Valkyrie programme and have earned the right to the race seat in 2025.  We’re all very excited heading into next season, particularly given all the hard work that has gone into it so far.  There is still a long road ahead, and I think I speak for all of us when I say we can’t wait to go racing with this incredible car. It’s a special honour to run a team with this iconic brand and to be able to take the Aston Martin wings back to where they belong, at the very pinnacle of endurance racing.”

The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH is now nearing the end of its development programme and has covered an impressive 12,500 km to date. The team is now fine-tuning the Valkyrie’s performance profile prior to homologation for the 2025 season. The car is scheduled to make its racing debut at the Qatar 1812 km (28 February 2025). In the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, its first race will be the gruelling 12 Hours of Sebring (12-15 March 2025). “We are reaching a critical juncture in the development of the Aston Martin Valkyrie, and to this point the car has passed all of the objectives and benchmarks we have set for it. Testing is one thing however, going racing quite another!” insists Adam Carter, Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport.

The full Aston Martin THOR driver line-ups for the 2025 FIA WEC and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will be announced shortly.