Corvette Z06 GT3.R secured its first FIA World Endurance Championship win in Qatar. The No. 33 team, featuring Juncadella, Edgar, and Keating, overcame early challenges to claim victory. The racers’ strategic decisions and performances showcased Corvette’s capabilities in the series, following their performance at the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
TF Sport and Chevrolet have achieved a significant milestone as the Corvette Z06 GT3.R has won its first FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) race in Qatar. Competing in the No. 33 Corvette, Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating executed an impressive comeback from 13th position to secure victory, finishing by a mere half-second. This victory not only adds an FIA WEC title to their accomplishments but also demonstrates the prowess of Corvette Racing’s new GT3 challenger.
The race began with Keating rapidly advancing from 13th to sixth place during the first three hours, demonstrating resilience despite a hiatus since winning the 2023 GTE Am title. Edgar, making his WEC debut, effectively improved their position as the sun set over Lusail. Juncadella ultimately propelled the Corvette to the front, taking the lead past the race’s halfway mark while focusing on maintaining their position against competitors.
As the race approached its conclusion, Juncadella re-entered for the final stint, opting for a strategic stop for fuel and left-side tires. Meanwhile, the second-place McLaren chose to change all tires, leading to an intense final half-hour of competition. Juncadella skillfully defended their lead against sustained pressure from other drivers, navigating through traffic with expertise.
Disappointingly, the No. 81 Corvette faced mechanical issues early in the race, marking a contrasting experience as victory belonged undeniably to the No. 33 team. In the Hypercar category, Ferrari’s AF Corse team achieved a remarkable 1-2-3 finish with Antonio Fuoco clinching the victory, fending off competition from Robert Kubica in the Ferrari 499P. Other brands like BMW, Toyota, and Cadillac exhibited strong performances, yet they could not surpass Ferrari’s dominance.
The Corvette Z06 GT3.R’s debut triumph in the FIA WEC signifies a remarkable achievement for TF Sport and Chevrolet. The race highlighted the skillful teamwork and strategic decisions made by the drivers, ensuring a memorable win amidst competitive challenges. As the Corvette Racing team looks ahead to the upcoming 6 Hours of Imola, they carry forward the momentum from this notable victory.
Original Source: www.autoweek.com
