The Allure of Trackside Observation
Whenever I’m at a race for Autosport, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) or any other motorsport event, I enjoy venturing onto the track to get a true sense of what the cars are capable of. A bit of elevation always enhances the view and the spectacle, but my recent experience in Qatar brought a different kind of thrill. Tracks don’t come much flatter or featureless than Losail, but that didn’t matter this time because I was there for one specific reason: to listen. The arrival of Aston Martin’s Valkyrie Le Mans Hypercar, with its distinctive 6.5-litre normally-aspirated V12 engine developed by Cosworth, was the highlight of the 2025 season-opener. I wanted to hear this masterpiece in action, as close as possible.
The Valkyrie V12: A Sound to Remember
The drivers have been raving about the Valkyrie’s engine sound for a while, and Harry Tincknell, the first to test the completed car, is no exception. He’s not shy about admitting that he’s gone out to the track when one of his team-mates was behind the wheel, just to listen and, undoubtedly, to smile. When I staked out various listening points around the Losail International Circuit during practice, I was not disappointed. The Valkyrie’s V12 engine is a symphony of power and elegance, a perfect contrast to the flat and somewhat monotonous tracks of Qatar. It stands out as the only V12 in the WEC’s Hypercar class this year, with the rest of the competitors using V6 or V8 engines. The sound of the Valkyrie is a refreshing departure from the dominant turbocharged engines, offering a unique and exhilarating auditory experience.
The Importance of Noise in Motorsport
Noise has always been a critical element of the appeal of motor racing, at least for me. My earliest memory of the British Grand Prix in 1978 at Brands Hatch is a testament to this. The thunderous roar of the Cosworth DFV was omnipresent, but the distinctive sounds of the Ferrari and Alfa Romeo flat-12s, the resonant V12 in the Ligier, and even the early Renault turbos added layers of excitement. As an 11-year-old, I was convinced that those turbos would never catch on! Over the past three decades, I’ve had the privilege of hearing a wide array of sportscar powerplants at full revs down the Mulsanne Straight. From the four-litre V12 in the Ferrari 333SP to the Judd V10 in various configurations, and the ever-reliable Mazda rotaries, each engine note has its own character and charm. Even the occasional four-pot turbo and the short-lived MGN W12 in the Norma Group C car left an indelible mark.
The Arrival of the Valkyrie
The Valkyrie’s entry into the WEC and IMSA SportsCar Championship, where it will debut at the Sebring 12 Hours this month, is a significant boost for top-flight sportscar racing. The grid is already a visual treat, with each car boasting unique designs, but the sound has been somewhat homogenized until now. The V8 turbos, while powerful, lack the soulful depth that a V12 provides. The BMW V8 turbo and Toyota V6 are notable, but they don’t evoke the same excitement as the Valkyrie. When the Valkyrie took its first practice laps in Qatar, it immediately topped the charts in terms of engine note, much to the delight of enthusiasts.
Future Listening Spots
The wide-open expanses of the Losail International Circuit weren’t the ideal setting to fully appreciate the Valkyrie’s V12, especially when the wind was howling. I’m eager to experience the engine in a more enclosed environment. Imola in April and Spa in May offer the perfect stages for this aural journey. Acque Minerali and Rivazza in Italy, followed by Eau Rouge and Pouhon in Belgium, are my top picks. At Spa, I have a favorite rock where I sit during the double downhill left, not only to indulge my passion but also to learn more about the car’s performance. This time, I might need to get there early to secure my spot. The anticipation of hearing the Valkyrie’s engine note at these iconic circuits is palpable, and I’m not the only one feeling it.
Excitement and Fan Engagement
The excitement surrounding the Aston Martin Valkyrie is palpable, and this can only benefit the sport. Endurance racing enthusiasts are already planning their trips to Imola and Spa, eager to hear the V12 in action. The Valkyrie’s unique sound is a significant draw, promising to captivate audiences both at the track and those watching from their homes. This holistic sensory experience is crucial for engaging fans and keeping the spirit of motorsport alive. Despite the Valkyrie’s initial struggles in Qatar, where neither car scored a point, the buzz around the vehicle remains undiminished. The thought of missing out on a prime listening spot at Spa makes me a bit anxious, but if I have to sit with my back to the track, so be it. The sound of the Valkyrie is worth it.
