Experience the endurance racing spectacle at Le Mans 2025, featuring a massive 300 laps, countless tires, and an uninterrupted 24-hour marathon of speed. Get up close and witness the thrilling event unfold.
Le Mans 2025: Aston Martin Roars Back with Style
Day one
Sunlight grazes the resplendent lineup of vehicles standing at attention, a sight to behold - even for the gatekeeper of Beaverbrook Hotel. I'm here for Aston Martin's grand comeback to the elite category of Le Mans, ready to embark on a road trip to the quaint French town for the 24-hour race. It's a celebration of Aston Martin's return to the top echelon of racing, and I'm in for the ride.
Le Mans is all about endurance—not just the machines, but the people who drive and fix them, and those who watch. Thousands of tire changes, 300 laps, and 24 hours of non-stop racing, often exceeding 200mph—such challenges make this race the pinnacle for many manufacturers.
Aston Martin, once again, is no stranger to the racetrack. After a hiatus, they've returned to Formula 1 (F1) in 2021 and set their sights on recapturing the top steps of endurance racing. A victory at Le Mans would be the crowning achievement for a return to motorsport glory. Aston Martin has a rich history at the event, with its first race in 1928, class victories throughout the '30s, and an overall win in 1959. Now, a trio of drivers will tackle the race, a demanding test of perseverance.
The journey from Surrey to Honfleur begins with the DB12, Aston's "Super Tourer."Power, opulence, and leather make for a perfect blend. At a petrol station in Calais, a crowd of car enthusiasts swarms the fleet of Aston Martins, cameras in hand, eager for a glimpse of the legendary cars. In Honfleur, we settle into a peaceful retreat, La Ferme Saint Simeon, once upon a time, the favored hangout spot for Monet, Courbet, and local hero Eugene Boudin. Tranquility before the Le Mans storm.
Day two
The DB12 offers an effortless ride, the miles melting away. But the real fun lies in "Sport" mode, when the vehicle transforms into a nimble, agile, and responsive beast. Although it won't challenge the track days kings, it's great fun on twisting back roads, eager to pass anything that comes its way.
Lunch at La Maison Villeneuve calls for a change of vehicles. The Vantage takes the wheel, providing less power than its sibling but striking a balance between speed and agility. At 3.5 seconds, it hits 60 mph from a standstill—and don't forget that thunderous sound. The Vantage handles the winding country roads expertly, leading us to our next stop: Le Mans Country Club.
Day three
Le Mans Country Club, yet another 17th-century hunting lodge, is barely recognizable during race week. This year, it's been taken over entirely by Aston Martin, signifying their entry into the race's Hypercar category. The atmosphere may be festive, but expectations remain realistic: "A win isn't possible," Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark admits. Still, they aim to make their mark with the Valkyrie hypercar, facing stiff competition from Ferrari, Porsche, Toyota, and Cadillac. The goal is to gather data for future improvements, realizing that this may not be their year for a win.
Sign up for our platform NewsletterExquisite houses, the beauty of nature, and tips to enrich your life, delivered straight to your inbox.
The Valkyrie, still in its developmental stages, showcases the team's determination in the face of formidable competition. Can it finish the race and provide valuable data for next year? Only time will tell.
Day three, 3.35pm
The French military helicopter circles overhead as soldiers prepare to abseil onto the track. There's no need for alarm, as this traditionally marks the delivery of the Tricolour flag, which will be used to start the race, this year by tennis star Roger Federer.
Day three, 4pm
With the flag in hand, Roger begins the race, and the symphony of 62 engines fills the air. Hearing it in person is an unforgettable experience—and it will echo across the 8.5-mile track for the next 24 hours.
Day four, 10pm
Darkness blankets the track as the sun sets, but the race continues, each team striving to maintain their position. The garage mechanics stay alert, their chairs folding away as their car approaches for service. The engineers rely on steady vigilance, monitoring their team's progress and strategy from the darkness.
Day four, 11pm
As twilight gives way to night, the party starts up. A ferris wheel lights up the Ford Corner and Chicane, the uniquesound of Aston Martin's Valkyrie punctuating the festivities. Despite its challenges, the Valkyrie remains a fan favorite, with its outstanding aerodynamic design and race-tuned V12 engine bringing roars of approval from the crowds.
Day five, 4pm
As the final hours tick down, the Valkyries show resilience, performing well throughout the night and into the morning. The chequered flag waves, marking the end of this brutal test of endurance, and the #009 car finishes in 12th place. The all-British lineup #007 car crosses the finish line in 14th, narrowly ahead of a Toyota and several other competitors. A roar of excitement fills the air, even if the ultimate victory eludes Aston Martin in 2025.
Charlie ThomasCharlie Thomas is a freelance writer, journalist, and photographer. Drawn to travel, motoring, and style, Charlie finds inspiration in the world around him. Born in Folkestone, Kent, and now based in London, an appreciation for design was cultivated from an early age through the influence of his father and uncle. When not behind the wheel, he can be found crafting stories for publications like HTSI, GQ, The Times, The Telegraph, and Robb Report.
Aston Martin's return to Le Mans in 2025 marked a significant milestone in the car manufacturer's motorsport history. The brand, known for its elegant road cars, competed with the hypercar Valkyrie in the Hypercar class, making a come back after a 14-year absence. The Valkyrie was the sole road-based hypercar in the FIA World Endurance Championship's premier event, blending advanced technology with British heritage, as represented by the Union Jack livery on the rear wing. Aston Martin's history at Le Mans includes victories in the 1930s, a dominant run in the 3.0-litre class in the 1950s, and an overall victory in 1959. In more recent years, the Vantage, another Aston Martin model, served as the brand's most successful racing car in the Le Mans series. Despite a strong showing by the Valkyrie in the 2025 race, Ferrari claimed the overall victory. This event marked a new chapter in Aston Martin's racing legacy as it prepared for future competitions in the Hypercar class.
"Sports racing enthusiasts are eager to witness Aston Martin's comeback to endurance racing at Le Mans, where the Valkyrie hypercar will compete against the likes of Ferrari, Porsche, Toyota, and Cadillac in the Hypercar category."
"Le Mans 2025 serves as a proving ground for Aston Martin, not just for a potential victory, but also for data collection to fuel future improvements in sports racing."
