Corvette Z06 GT3.R Wins First FIA WEC Race at Qatar 1812Km

The Corvette Z06 GT3.R secured its first FIA WEC victory at the Qatar 1812Km, with Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating driving from 13th to first place. This marks a significant achievement for Corvette Racing, adding to its accolades and cementing the Z06 GT3.R’s competitive stature in endurance racing. Future races will continue to build on this successful momentum.

In a thrilling display of endurance racing prowess, the Corvette Z06 GT3.R achieved its first FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) victory at the Qatar 1812Km event, solidifying its competitive presence. With drivers Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating, the No. 33 Corvette surged from 13th position on the grid to ultimately capture the victory, finishing just half a second ahead of the competition. This win not only adds a prestigious trophy to Corvette Racing’s achievements but also marks Juncadella and Edgar’s first wins in the WEC, while Keating celebrated his eighth WEC victory, enhancing his record with Corvette.

During the race, Keating initiated a strong performance, advancing from 13th to sixth place in the opening three hours. Edgar made his WEC debut and further elevated the Corvette’s standing before Juncadella took over, leading the class past the halfway point. The strategy shifted as Juncadella returned to the track for the final stretch, navigating the challenging dynamics of endurance racing against a fiercely competitive field.

The concluding 30 minutes of the race saw Juncadella defend his lead fiercely, managing tire strategy and traffic adeptly. Despite the mechanical failure of the No. 81 Corvette, the day was dominated by the success of the No. 33 car. In the Hypercar class, Ferrari’s AF Corse secured a clean podium finish, demonstrating their strong performance throughout the event.

Juncadella expressed his emotions post-race, indicating the intensity of his final stint, “Looking at my heart rate, I think I was 35bpm higher in the last stint than in the first one, so that tells you pretty much everything!” The Corvette Z06 GT3.R’s arrival in the FIA WEC signifies a serious commitment to excellence in endurance racing, with future focus on maintaining momentum at the upcoming 6 Hours of Imola.

The Corvette Z06 GT3.R’s first FIA WEC victory at the Qatar 1812Km race showcases a remarkable comeback, with notable performances from drivers Juncadella, Edgar, and Keating. Their strategic prowess and teamwork underscore Corvette’s growing presence in top-tier endurance racing. With this win and a strong finish in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the team is poised for continued success in the season ahead, particularly at the 6 Hours of Imola.

Original Source: www.autoweek.com