In the thrilling opening race of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship season, Daniel Juncadella navigated his way to a remarkable victory in the LMGT3 class at the Qatar 1812 km. Despite mounting pressure from Gregoire Saucy’s United Autosports McLaren 720S LMGT3 EVO, Juncadella, driving the TF Sport’s #33, held his ground after 287 laps to claim his first-ever win in this class.
An intense 10-hour endurance event at Lusail International Circuit saw 18 LMGT3 competitors tussle under warm, humid conditions that tested their physical stamina. The United Autosports team shone during qualifying, securing a 1-2 formation with Darren Leung’s #95 McLaren leading James Cottingham’s #59 McLaren. Arnold Robin of the #78 Akkodis ASP Lexus RC F LMGT3 initially held third place, but swiftly maneuvered past Cottingham on Lap 2 to claim the class lead from Leung.
A premature exit marked the race for the #87 Lexus when Petru Umbarasecu’s ill-judged move resulted in a spin for François Heriau’s #21 Ferrari. After serving a drive-through penalty, the #87 Lexus attempted a comeback, only to retire a few hours later due to the damage incurred from the mishap.
The initial leader, Robin, saw his lead eroded during the first round of pit stops. However, he rallied and continued to challenge the two McLarens, setting the stage for a nail-biting battle involving the top four, with just two seconds separating the group.
Disaster struck for Christian Reid’s #61 Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 during the third hour when he skidded into a gravel trap at Turn 9, instigating the first virtual safety car of the race. Shortly after, Al Harthy exerted pressure on the #78 Lexus, even with Gehrsitz at the wheel, while Ben Tuck, driving the #77 Proton Ford Mustang LMGT3, navigated his way into the leading pack during the fourth racing hour.
The halfway mark saw United Autosports McLarens not in the dominant form of the race’s early stages, as the #78 Lexus continued to lead. However, the McLaren team regained their footing, with Marino Sato leading the LMGT3 class for the #95 McLaren and fending off Mattia Drudi’s #27 Aston Martin Vantage LMGT3 EVO.
This high-stakes race was not without its unexpected turns. A fourth safety car was deployed when Bernado Sousa’s #77 Ford caught fire. Meanwhile, Juncadella, piloting the #33 Corvette, showcased his strength and resilience by maintaining a steady third place despite fierce competition.
In an unfortunate twist, United Autosports’ lead evaporated at the beginning of the ninth racing hour when Gelael served a drive-through penalty for an unsafe pit stop. Nonetheless, the #31 WRT BMW of Augusto Farfus, Zach Robichon’s #27 Aston Martin, Jonny Edgar’s #33 TF Sport Corvette, and Saucy’s #59 McLaren continued the fight for the lead.
The final hour saw a fierce battle between Juncadella’s #33 Corvette and Saucy’s #59 McLaren. Despite the McLaren team being in prime position to clinch a victory following their pole position, Juncadella managed to fend off Saucy’s relentless pressure, bringing home a victory for TF Sport and Corvette.
After 287 grueling laps, Juncadella, alongside his co-drivers Jonny Edgar and Ben Keating, secured the LMGT3 class win. Saucy and his #59 McLaren co-drivers Sebastien Baud and James Cottingham claimed the second spot, while the #31 WRT BMW trio of Timur Boguslavskiy, Augusto Farfus, and Yasser Shahin took third place.
This momentous race marked a significant milestone for both TF Sport and United Autosports, as both teams had yet to claim a victory in the LMGT3 era of the WEC. With this riveting season opener setting the pace, fans worldwide can look forward to more thrilling races in the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship.
