Corvette Z06 GT3.R Achieves Historic Victory in FIA WEC at Qatar
The Corvette Z06 GT3.R achieved its first FIA WEC victory at the Qatar 1812Km race, with drivers Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating completing a remarkable comeback from 13th to first place. Juncadella’s performance was pivotal, especially during the final moments of the race. This victory follows the team’s earlier success at the Rolex 24 At Daytona and marks a significant milestone for Corvette Racing as they prepare for their next challenge at Imola.
TF Sport and Chevrolet have achieved a remarkable milestone as the Corvette Z06 GT3.R secured its first victory in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the challenging Qatar 1812Km race. Drivers Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating executed a stunning comeback from a starting position of 13th on the grid, triumphing by a narrow margin of less than half a second. This victory not only emphasizes the prowess of the Z06 GT3.R but also represents a significant achievement in Corvette Racing’s history.
The Corvette Racing team made their presence felt earlier this season by winning the GTD class at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, and they have now added an FIA WEC trophy to their accolades. For Juncadella and Edgar, this win marks their inaugural triumph in the WEC while driving a Corvette. Keating, a seasoned endurance racing veteran, celebrated his eighth WEC win, four of which have been secured with the iconic American sports car.
During the race, Keating initiated a strong charge, advancing from 13th to 6th place within the first three hours, demonstrating his skill after a break since clinching the 2023 GTE Am title. Edgar, making his WEC debut, continued the momentum, allowing Juncadella to take the lead past the halfway point. From that moment, the focus shifted to maintaining that lead against formidable competitors.
With a critical 90 minutes remaining, Juncadella re-entered the race following a strategic pit stop for fuel and left-side tires, while the second-place McLaren opted for new tires altogether. The subsequent battle featured intense racing as Juncadella skillfully navigated through traffic, fending off challenges like a seasoned professional.
Meanwhile, the race proved challenging for the No. 81 Corvette, which experienced a mechanical failure just an hour into the event. However, the day was undeniably claimed by the victorious No. 33 Corvette, making headlines as it entered the history books.
In the Hypercar class, Ferrari’s AF Corse team achieved a remarkable 1-2-3 finish, with Antonio Fuoco holding off rival Robert Kubica for the win in the No. 83 Ferrari 499P. Despite impressive performances from BMW, Toyota, and Cadillac, Ferrari’s dominance was evident throughout the race.
Juncadella’s perseverance in the LMGT3 class was key to securing Corvette’s second win of 2025. He faced relentless pressure from McLaren’s Grégoire Saucy in the final moments, ultimately clinching a hard-fought victory. Following the race, he remarked on the adrenaline rush, stating, “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 has firmly established its presence in the FIA WEC, signaling that it is a formidable competitor. Attention now turns to the upcoming 6 Hours of Imola, where the Corvette team aims to continue their winning streak and further cement their reputation in endurance racing.
The Corvette Z06 GT3.R’s first victory in the FIA WEC showcases its competitive prowess in endurance racing, with a stunning comeback by the drivers at the Qatar 1812Km. This triumph not only elevates the vehicle’s status within the GT3 category but also solidifies Corvette Racing’s legacy. With the momentum from this win, the team is poised for continued success in upcoming races, underscoring the significance of strategic driving and teamwork in achieving victory.
Original Source: www.autoweek.com
