The Corvette Z06 GT3.R secured its inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship victory in Qatar, led by drivers Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating. After starting 13th, the team clinched victory by mere milliseconds. This win adds to the Z06 GT3.R’s accomplishments, including a prior victory at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, signifying the vehicle’s competitive prowess in endurance racing.
The Corvette Z06 GT3.R has achieved a significant milestone by clinching its first victory in the FIA World Endurance Championship while competing in a 1812Km race in Qatar. The team, comprised of Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar, and Ben Keating, executed an impressive comeback, moving from 13th on the grid to winning by merely half a second.
This win is more than just a triumph; it symbolizes the Corvette Racing team’s growing legacy. The Z06 GT3.R had previously excelled in securing the GTD class victory at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, enhancing its trophy collection. For Juncadella and Edgar, this win marked their inaugural success within the WEC and with Corvette, while Keating celebrated his eighth WEC victory, further solidifying his status as an endurance racing veteran.
Keating initiated a phenomenal charge from 13th to 6th place in the race’s opening stages, showcasing his skills after a break since his GTE Am title win. Edgar then made his WEC debut, propelling the Corvette further up the ranks under the Lusail night sky. Juncadella later captured the class lead after reaching the race’s halfway point, focusing on maintaining their position against pursuing competitors.
With 90 minutes remaining, Juncadella returned for the final stint, opting for a strategy involving a fuel stop and left-side tires. This decision contrasted with the second-place McLaren’s choice for new tires, resulting in a nail-biting final 30 minutes. Juncadella faced intense pressure, adeptly navigating slower traffic to secure the victory.
The race was not without struggles for the No. 81 Corvette, which faced a mechanical failure just an hour in. However, the spotlight remained on the No. 33 Corvette, which celebrated its achievement. Concurrently, in the Hypercar class, Ferrari’s AF Corse team secured a remarkable 1-2-3 finish, with Antonio Fuoco outperforming Robert Kubica for the win.
In the LMGT3 category, Juncadella’s performance highlighted not only survival but thriving under pressure. He successfully resisted fierce competition from McLaren’s Grégoire Saucy to confirm Corvette’s second victory of 2025 in major endurance events. Juncadella remarked on the adrenaline of racing, 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!” conveying his surprise at the win.
The Corvette Z06 GT3.R has officially made its mark in the FIA WEC and is poised for future successes, with the next challenge being the 6 Hours of Imola, where the team aims to sustain its momentum.
In conclusion, the Corvette Z06 GT3.R’s victory at the FIA World Endurance Championship in Qatar marks a noteworthy achievement for the team, exemplifying their capabilities and determination. The success not only enhances the vehicle’s reputation but also showcases the talents of the drivers involved. This win, together with prior accomplishments, sets a promising tone for future races in the endurance series. The Corvette team is now preparing for the upcoming 6 Hours of Imola, eager to continue their winning streak.
Original Source: www.autoweek.com
