Corvette Z06 GT3.R Triumphs in FIA WEC, Clinching First Win in Qatar

Chevrolet’s Corvette Z06 GT3.R achieved its first FIA World Endurance Championship win at the Qatar 1812Km race. Drivers Juncadella, Edgar, and Keating displayed remarkable skill, overcoming a 13th place start to win by a narrow margin. This victory adds to their growing accolades, highlighting Corvette’s strong presence in endurance racing with hopes for continued success in future events.

The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R marked a significant achievement in the FIA World Endurance Championship by securing its inaugural victory in the Qatar 1812Km race. Piloted by Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating, the No. 33 Corvette exhibited outstanding skill, surging from 13th place to capture first place, finishing the race with a narrow margin of less than half a second. This win exemplifies the growing prowess of Corvette Racing, following their previous success at the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

This victory not only represents a personal triumph for Juncadella and Edgar in the World Endurance Championship and with Corvette, but it also adds to Keating’s impressive tally, marking his eighth win in the series, four of which were achieved with Corvette. Keating began with a remarkable recovery, advancing from 13th to sixth position during the initial three hours of the race, demonstrating his prowess after a break following his GTE Am title win in 2023.

Edgar then continued the momentum, making his World Endurance debut and pushing the Corvette further up the order as the race progressed into the evening. Juncadella soon took the lead in the class, and the team’s focus shifted to maintaining their position against a competitive field. In the final stages, a strategic move saw Juncadella make a tactical pit stop for fuel and tires, setting up an exhilarating finish.

During the last 90 minutes, Juncadella faced significant pressure, skillfully navigating slower traffic to maintain his lead. Despite some challenges presented by the No. 81 Corvette, which faced mechanical issues early on, the day was undeniably one for the No. 33. In the Hypercar class, Ferrari’s AF Corse secured a dominating 1-2-3 finish, showcasing the strength of their team against BMW, Toyota, and Cadillac.

Juncadella’s performance was marked by resilience, facing off against McLaren’s Grégoire Saucy as the race drew to a close. He noted the heightened intensity of the final moments by comparing heart rates, illustrating the race’s demanding nature. “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!” said Juncadella, reflecting on his unexpected victory.

With this victory, the Corvette Z06 GT3.R has firmly established its presence within the FIA WEC, signaling its intent to compete vigorously in upcoming events. The next challenge for the team lies ahead at the 6 Hours of Imola, where they will aim to maintain their winning trajectory.

In conclusion, the Corvette Z06 GT3.R’s first victory in the FIA World Endurance Championship sets a promising tone for its future in endurance racing. The collaborative efforts of Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating demonstrated exceptional teamwork and skill, enabling them to secure a thrilling win in Qatar. This achievement not only enhances the team’s accolades but also signals the Corvette’s competitive spirit in the upcoming races, such as the 6 Hours of Imola.

Original Source: www.autoweek.com