Video: Screaming V12 Aston Martin sounds incredible round Spa

03rd October 2023

Ethan Jupp

It’s simply fantastic news that Aston Martin is finally going to race the Valkyrie at Le Mans. It’ll be the first road-based V12-engined endurance racer to genuinely challenge for outright victory at Le Mans since the McLaren F1 – what a moment! Even cooler in our minds, is what we’ll be hearing on its return. Aston Martin have previous in racing V12s at Le Mans, with its last top-flight prototype, the Lola Aston Martin DBR1-2 and its stunning 6.0-litre, 650PS V12, being the last of its kind. So that’s exactly what we’re sharing with you today as a preview of what to expect from the Valkyrie.

This video from Belgian Motorsport shows the Lola Aston getting a good workout around Spa-Francorchamps. The car wasn’t the most successful at La Sarthe in period. It finished fourth in 2009, behind Audi and Peugeot, though it was the most successful petrol-powered car. Remember, the go-to fuel in the WEC in that era was diesel…

One thing it isn’t is quite as beautiful as we can expect the Valkyrie to be. The Hypercars are prettier and more relatable than the LMP1 cars they’ve replaced, even though they’re slower. They’re also cheaper, which is largely the reason why the Valkyrie will be one of 25-30 Hypercar contenders at Le Mans in 2025. We really can’t wait.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: The best demonstration of what it’s like to drive a Carrera GT