Cadillac Dominates Interlagos, Securing Historic 1-2 Finish at WEC Sao Paulo 6 Hours
In a momentous display of performance, Cadillac secured an impressive one-two finish at the recent Sao Paulo 6 Hours of the World Endurance Championship. This victory represents a significant milestone for the American manufacturer, marking their inaugural triumph in the highly competitive series. The success was not without its challenges, as the leading Cadillac team had to overcome an early setback. Meanwhile, the LMGT3 category saw a historic first win for Lexus, adding another layer of excitement to the event. The race at Interlagos proved to be a showcase of strategic prowess and relentless determination across both classes.
Cadillac's dominant performance at Interlagos was the highlight of the Sao Paulo 6 Hours, as their V-Series.R LMDh machines claimed the top two positions. The winning trio of Will Stevens, Alex Lynn, and Norman Nato drove a flawless race, securing Cadillac's first-ever victory in the World Endurance Championship. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering they had to recover from an early penalty for a tire pressure violation, demonstrating the car's formidable pace and the team's resilience. The sister Cadillac, shared by Earl Bamber, Jenson Button, and Sébastien Bourdais, closely followed, ensuring a memorable double podium for the manufacturer.
The race dynamic saw an initial challenge from Porsche, whose 963 LMDh briefly held the lead. However, Cadillac's superior long-run performance and strategic pit stops allowed them to gain a decisive advantage. Alex Lynn's pivotal stint, capitalizing on an undercut strategy during the second round of pit stops, established a lead that his teammates Norman Nato and Sébastien Bourdais further extended. Other major contenders, including Peugeot, BMW, and Ferrari, faced their own struggles. Toyota, in particular, had a disappointing outing, failing to score points for the first time in the Hypercar era due to Balance of Performance adjustments and the circuit's resurfaced track. In the LMGT3 class, Lexus celebrated a historic maiden win with Jose Maria Lopez, Clemens Schmid, and Razvan Umbrarescu, overcoming a pitlane speeding penalty to secure a commanding victory.
Dominance on Track: Cadillac's Breakthrough Victory
Cadillac Racing etched its name into the World Endurance Championship history books with a sensational 1-2 finish at the challenging Interlagos circuit. This was more than just a victory; it was a powerful statement from the American marque, signifying their emergence as a formidable force in global endurance racing. The meticulous preparation and strategic brilliance of the Jota-run Cadillac V-Series.R LMDh vehicles were evident throughout the six-hour endurance test, allowing them to overcome initial hurdles and assert their authority over the field. The flawless execution by the driving trios showcased their unwavering commitment to excellence, demonstrating a perfect blend of speed, consistency, and tactical acumen under pressure. This monumental achievement not only secured a maiden WEC win for Cadillac but also positioned them as serious contenders for future championships.
The lead Cadillac, driven by the accomplished trio of Will Stevens, Alex Lynn, and Norman Nato, displayed exceptional pace and strategic intelligence. Despite incurring an early penalty for a tire pressure infraction, the team remained composed, methodically working their way back to the front. A critical juncture in the race occurred during the second round of pit stops, where Alex Lynn's aggressive driving and the team's efficient pit work, including a smart undercut maneuver, propelled their car into a commanding lead. This advantage was steadily built upon by Nato and Sébastien Bourdais in the sister car, culminating in a significant gap to their rivals. The decisive nature of their victory, with a substantial lead over the third-place Porsche, underscored Cadillac's undeniable performance advantage at Interlagos. This performance sent a clear message to their competitors, establishing Cadillac as a dominant force in the Hypercar category.
Lexus Secures Maiden LMGT3 Win Amidst Manufacturer Struggles
While Cadillac celebrated a historic triumph in the Hypercar class, the LMGT3 category witnessed its own groundbreaking moment as Lexus secured its first-ever victory in the World Endurance Championship. This achievement for Lexus, coupled with Cadillac's strong showing, highlighted a day of significant milestones for various manufacturers. The LMGT3 race was a testament to competitive racing, with teams battling fiercely for positions and showcasing the diverse talent pool within the WEC. Despite facing a penalty themselves, the Lexus team demonstrated remarkable consistency and speed, outmaneuvering their rivals and proving their mettle on the international stage.
The Akkodis ASP Team's Lexus RC F LMGT3, driven by Jose Maria Lopez, Clemens Schmid, and Razvan Umbrarescu, delivered a standout performance, controlling the LMGT3 race for the majority of its duration. Their victory, despite a pitlane speeding penalty, underscored the car's inherent pace and the drivers' ability to manage the race effectively. In contrast, several prominent manufacturers in the Hypercar class encountered difficulties. Ferrari, despite being a Le Mans 24 Hours winner, struggled with Balance of Performance adjustments, resulting in a disappointing finish outside the points. Toyota, a dominant force in previous Interlagos races, also found themselves uncompetitive, attributing their challenges to increased weight, reduced power, and the recently resurfaced track. These varied outcomes underscored the intense competition and the delicate balance of performance regulations that shape the narrative of the World Endurance Championship, making every race a high-stakes battle where unforeseen challenges can dramatically alter fortunes.