The Corvette Z06 GT3.R clinched its first FIA World Endurance Championship win in Qatar, triumphing over fierce competition by less than half a second. Drivers Juncadella, Edgar, and Keating showcased their skills, with Juncadella taking the lead past the halfway mark. Despite competitor challenges, the team held on for a tightly contested victory, adding a significant trophy to their collection and setting the stage for future races.
The Corvette Z06 GT3.R has secured its inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship victory at the Qatar 1812Km race, marking a significant milestone for TF Sport and Chevrolet. Competing in the No. 33 Corvette, drivers Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating advanced from 13th place on the grid to triumph by a narrow margin of less than half a second. This victory not only adds a trophy to Corvette Racing’s achievements, but it serves as a testament to the Z06 GT3.R’s competitive edge in endurance racing.
Juncadella’s impressive performance helped him, along with Edgar, achieve their first wins in the WEC while Keating celebrated his eighth overall WEC win, reinforcing his status as an endurance racing veteran. Keating made a remarkable ascent, moving from 13th to sixth in the initial three hours of the race, demonstrating the team’s potential. Edgar, making his WEC debut, relayed the car to Juncadella with the Corvette in a strong position past the mid-race point.
As the race neared its conclusion, Juncadella returned to the cockpit for the final stretch, opting for a strategic fuel stop with left-side tires while second-place McLaren chose a complete tire change. This decision led to an intense final 30 minutes where Juncadella expertly defended his position against aggressive competition and navigated through slower traffic with precision. However, the outcome was bittersweet as the No. 81 Corvette faced a mechanical issue early in the race, overshadowed by the triumph of the No. 33.
The victory of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R at the Qatar race highlights the car’s potential in the FIA WEC, solidifying its reputation after an initial GTD class win at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. This achievement is a pivotal moment for TF Sport and Chevrolet, indicating a strong start for the season, with anticipation building for future races. Juncadella’s and Edgar’s victories showcase the Corvette’s ability to compete at high levels in endurance racing. Looking ahead, the team is poised to maintain momentum as they approach the 6 Hours of Imola, eager to build on this success and challenge for more podium finishes in the series.
Original Source: www.autoweek.com
