Aston Martin tests one-off V12 track prototype at Paul Ricard

1,200-hp build for Ken Griffin targets F1 lap times.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

What happened: Aston Martin ran its bespoke single-seater prototype at Circuit Paul Ricard in southern France following earlier runs in April at a private airfield and at Portimao. Per Auto Motor und Sport, Citadel founder Ken Griffin commissioned the one-off build from Aston Martin Performance Technologies to be the fastest track car in the world. The vehicle pairs an open-wheel F1-style front end and cockpit halo with enclosed rear bodywork derived from the Valkyrie hypercar.

Why it matters: Built outside FIA minimum-weight and aerodynamic rules, the prototype is engineered to lap circuits faster than a current Formula 1 car. The project places Aston Martin and technical chief Adrian Newey in direct competition with Red Bull's RB17 in the ultra-exclusive track-hypercar market.

By the numbers: The prototype uses a Cosworth-built 6.5-liter V12 engine rated at roughly 1,160 horsepower with hybrid assist in the road-going Valkyrie and a rumored 1,200 horsepower in this configuration. Its benchmark for outright circuit records includes the Porsche 919 Evo's 5:19.55 lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleife.

What to watch: Testing continues privately at European circuits while Aston Martin keeps technical specifications and any formal unveiling schedule under wraps.

Sources

Motorsport F1 2026-10-17T22:31:59.747182+00:00

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