Corvette Z06 GT3.R Secures Historic First FIA WEC Victory in Qatar

The Corvette Z06 GT3.R achieved its first FIA WEC victory during the Qatar 1812Km race, with drivers Juncadella, Edgar, and Keating excelling in a stunning comeback from 13th position. This win follows their prior success at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, displaying the vehicle’s growing prowess. Corvette Racing aims to maintain this winning streak as they look forward to the 6 Hours of Imola.

The Corvette Z06 GT3.R has achieved a remarkable victory at the FIA World Endurance Championship, marking its first win in Qatar. Piloted by Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating in the No. 33 Corvette, the team overcame a starting position of 13th to clinch the win by a mere half-second. This triumph signifies not only a successful campaign for the Z06 GT3.R but also the burgeoning legacy of Corvette Racing.

In earlier competitions, the Corvette Z06 GT3.R showcased its capabilities, previously securing the GTD class victory at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, and now it boldly adds the FIA WEC accolade to its achievements. Juncadella and Edgar celebrated their inaugural win in this championship, while Keating, a seasoned veteran, recorded his eighth WEC victory, further solidifying his reputation in endurance racing.

The race unfolded with Keating driving from 13th to sixth in the initial hours, despite a hiatus since winning the 2023 GTE Am title. Edgar, in his WEC debut, propelled the Corvette upward, leading into the halfway point, where Juncadella ultimately took command of the class lead. From this position, the team concentrated on defending against their competitors.

As the concluding portion of the race approached, Juncadella re-entered the vehicle, opting for a strategic fuel and tire stop. In contrast, their nearest rival, a McLaren, elected for full tire replacements, setting up an intense final 30 minutes marked by intense competition and high-stakes maneuvers through traffic. Juncadella expertly withstood pressure while navigating faster cars, demonstrating his skill and focus under duress.

While the day was triumphant for the No. 33 Corvette, the No. 81 Corvette encountered severe misfortune with a mechanical failure shortly after the race commenced. This incident, however, paled in comparison to the success celebrated by the winning team.

In the Hypercar class, Ferrari’s AF Corse secured a remarkable 1-2-3 finish, with Antonio Fuoco successfully fending off competitors to clinch victory in the No. 83 Ferrari 499P. Other teams, including BMW, Toyota, and Cadillac, showcased their talent but ultimately could not rival Ferrari’s formidable performance.

Juncadella’s dramatic display focused not only on survival but on outperforming the opposition. He skillfully fended off relentless assaults from McLaren’s Grégoire Saucy down the stretch, thereby securing a significant second win for Corvette in the 2025 season’s major endurance events.

Reflecting on the challenge, Juncadella remarked, “Looking at my heart rate, I think I was 35 bpm higher in the last stint than in the first one, so that tells you pretty much everything!” He expressed surprise at the victory, having aimed only for a top-five finish at the season’s start. The Corvette Z06 GT3.R has now firmly established its presence in the FIA WEC, with expectations set high for the forthcoming 6 Hours of Imola.

The Corvette Z06 GT3.R has celebrated a historic victory in the FIA World Endurance Championship, showcasing its potential and competitiveness. With key performances from Juncadella, Edgar, and Keating, this victory reflects the Corvette Racing team’s growth and ambition within the sport. As they prepare for the upcoming 6 Hours of Imola, the team’s focus remains on continuing their winning momentum in future races.

Original Source: www.autoweek.com