Aston Martin’s new limited-edition Valiant racer was born out of the request of legendary Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso. Alonso, a big fan of aerodisks and other unique features, asked if a special version of the Valour could be made for him. The result is a bespoke commission fitted with a 734bhp 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, designed to provide an exceptional driving experience. Alonso describes the final product as a “moving piece of art.”
The Valiant is limited to just 38 examples and comes with a price tag close to £2 million. It is a development of the 2023 Valour, another limited-run model. Alonso sat down with Autocar at Goodwood’s Festival of Speed to discuss the creation of the Valiant and his experience driving it.
When asked about the inspiration behind the Valiant, Alonso explained that it all started with his desire to own a Valour but with some unique modifications. He requested aerodisks, a rear wing, lightweight materials, and other features that were not originally homologated for the Valour. After reviewing the list of modifications, Aston Martin decided to create a new car with a new name, resulting in the limited-edition Valiant.
Alonso describes the driving experience of the Valiant as “quite extreme.” It is a track car designed for the normal road, with Multimatic dampers that provide excellent handling. He especially appreciates the sound of the V12 engine, which he believes adds to the passion and excitement behind the wheel.
Interestingly, Alonso admits that he never drives a manual transmission, but he chose a manual gearbox for his ideal car because it brings back memories of his early days in racing. He reminisces about the anticipation of getting his driver’s license and the freedom that came with being able to drive alone. He believes that having a manual transmission in a V12 car adds more appeal and nostalgia compared to a regular automatic.
Alonso also discusses his involvement in the design process of the Valiant. While he wasn’t heavily involved, he mentions that the Aston Martin F1 team had closer contact with the road car team, resulting in the use of materials and weight-saving techniques from the F1 world in the Valiant. He highlights the seat and cockpit as significant changes between the Valour and Valiant, as they contribute to a lower center of gravity.
When asked about his future involvement with Aston Martin, Alonso expresses his interest in helping the team in a race weekend capacity, assisting drivers and providing input on race decisions. While he doesn’t envision a second career in designing road cars, he mentions his love for testing cars and providing feedback to the team.
Alonso concludes the interview by discussing his growing collection of Aston Martin cars. He reveals that he has ordered a Vantage GT3, already owns an Aston Martin DTM, and is expecting a Valkyrie to be delivered in time for his birthday. He also expresses his love for the brand, noting that Aston Martin’s exclusivity and focus on customer care align with his values.
In summary, Fernando Alonso’s request for a unique version of the Valour led to the creation of Aston Martin’s limited-edition Valiant racer. With its powerful engine and manual gearbox, the Valiant offers an extreme driving experience. Alonso’s involvement in the design process was limited but influenced by the collaboration between Aston Martin’s F1 team and the road car team. His passion for Aston Martin has grown, and he sees himself playing a role in assisting the team during race weekends in the future.