Corvette Z06 GT3.R Achieves First FIA WEC Victory at Qatar Race

The Corvette Z06 GT3.R has won its first FIA WEC race at Qatar, overcoming an early grid position of 13th. The team, consisting of Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating, achieved victory by a narrow margin. The success follows their previous GTD win at Daytona, establishing the Z06 GT3.R as a formidable competitor in endurance racing.

TF Sport and Chevrolet have achieved a significant milestone with the Corvette Z06 GT3.R securing its inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) victory at the challenging Qatar 1812Km race. Piloted by Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating, the No. 33 Corvette produced an impressive comeback, advancing from the 13th position on the grid to clinch victory by a mere half second.

This victory not only marks a critical achievement for the Corvette Racing team but also emphasizes the GT3 contender’s capabilities following its earlier GTD class win at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. For Juncadella and Edgar, this triumph represents their first wins in the WEC as drivers for Corvette; meanwhile, Keating has celebrated his eighth WEC victory, with four of those while racing the iconic American sports car.

Keating initiated the charge by moving from 13th to sixth place during the first three hours, demonstrating his competitive edge after a break since winning the 2023 GTE Am title. Edgar took over the driving duties and made significant advancements in the standings, leading into the second half of the race. Juncadella ultimately propelled the team into a class lead, where the focus shifted to maintaining their position against competitors.

As the race approached the final 90 minutes, Juncadella returned to the wheel for a strategic stint that included a fuel and tire pit stop, while their closest competitor opted for a more aggressive tire strategy. The concluding moments showcased Juncadella’s skill in tightly contested racing, where he expertly navigated traffic while fending off fierce challenges from behind.

In contrast, the No. 81 Corvette faced misfortune with a mechanical failure early in the race, redirecting attention to the victory secured by the No. 33 team. In the Hypercar category, Ferrari’s AF Corse team celebrated a clean sweep of the podium, led by Antonio Fuoco’s victory in the No. 83 Ferrari 499P against a field of strong competitors.

Juncadella’s performance was characterized not merely by survival but also by resilience amidst pressure. As he humorously noted after the race, “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 team had anticipated a solid start, but achieving victory exceeded all expectations.

The success of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the FIA WEC signifies its formidable presence in endurance racing, with further competitions on the horizon, including the upcoming 6 Hours of Imola. This ongoing momentum sets a promising tone for future events.

The Corvette Z06 GT3.R has successfully made its mark in the FIA World Endurance Championship by clinching its first win at the Qatar 1812Km race. This achievement reflects the team’s exceptional performance and potential, particularly with drivers Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating showcasing their talent and competitiveness. As the team prepares for future challenges, including the 6 Hours of Imola, the expectations are high for continued success in endurance racing.

Original Source: www.autoweek.com