Aston Martin Valkyrie: V12 Power Aims for Laguna Seca Glory

The stunning Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar returns to competitive action this weekend in Round 4 of North America’s premier endurance racing series. As the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship heads to the challenging Laguna Seca circuit in Monterey, California, all eyes are on the screaming V12-powered entry.

Less than two weeks after achieving its tenth top-ten IMSA finish at Long Beach, the Aston Martin THOR Team and drivers Roman De Angelis and Ross Gunn are ready to tackle the undulating, dusty, and hugely demanding 2.238-mile venue. Featuring the world-famous ‘Corkscrew’ downhill section with its 55-meter elevation change, Laguna Seca offers a unique test of aero and grit.

Valkyrie’s Return to the GTP Class

This weekend marks the second occasion the Aston Martin Valkyrie will contest the top GTP class at this venue. The team returns with a plethora of performance data and a full season’s worth of valuable knowledge. While De Angelis and Gunn have remained consistent top-ten finishers in 2026, the duo is hungry for a podium that has narrowly eluded them due to racing misfortune.

At Long Beach, the Valkyrie was running a competitive fourth on merit when a rival collision ended their podium hopes. However, the data was clear: the British hypercar is faster than ever.

Technical Specifications: The Valkyrie Advantage

The competition variant of the Valkyrie is a pure racing expression of the world’s ultimate road-going hypercar.

• Engine: Modified 6.5-litre V12 powerplant
• RPM Limit: 11,000rpm
• Power Output: Capped at 500kW (680bhp) per IMSA GTP regulations
• Chassis: Race-optimized carbon fiber
• Unique Feature: The only V12 and road-derived hypercar in the GTP class

Why Laguna Seca Suits the Aston Martin Valkyrie

Unlike the bumpy, low-grip streets of Long Beach, Laguna Seca’s fast and rhythmic layout plays to the high-downforce strengths of the Aston Martin Valkyrie. The smooth asphalt surface, resurfaced just two years ago, allows the THOR team to run the car in its ideal aerodynamic window.

Factor	Long Beach (Street)	Laguna Seca (Road)
Surface	Bumpy / Uneven	Smooth Asphalt
Aero Needs	Low Speed / Mechanical	High Speed / Downforce
Valkyrie Fit	Challenging	Ideal

“Laguna Seca is one of the best race circuits in the world,” says driver Ross Gunn. “Long Beach showed we have moved forward considerably in performance. We are working hard to carry that momentum into this weekend.”

Vantage GT3: Chasing the GTD Championship

While the Aston Martin Valkyrie fights for overall honors, the Vantage GT3 is dominating the GTD class. Series debutant Dudu Barrichello currently leads the championship standings by 54 points.

The Heart of Racing (THOR) and Van Der Steur Racing (VDSR) are both fielding entries this weekend. Tom Gamble returns to the #27 THOR Vantage after a successful stint in the WEC, while VDSR brings in Scott Andrews to partner with Rory van der Steur.

Key Takeaways for Racing Fans

• Watch the V12: The Valkyrie is the only car in the field with a naturally aspirated V12 engine.
• Championship Stakes: Aston Martin looks to extend its lead in the GTD class.
• The Corkscrew: Watch how the Valkyrie’s aero handles the 55-meter drop.

Conclusion: A Season Turning Point?

The Aston Martin Valkyrie has proven it has the raw pace to compete with the giants of endurance racing. With the technical advantages of Laguna Seca’s layout and a refined performance package, the THOR team is perfectly positioned to turn potential into a trophy. For drivers and fans alike, this weekend represents the best chance yet to see the full potential of British engineering on American soil.

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