Cadillac Claims Historic Pole Position at WEC Fuji
In a thrilling qualifying session at Fuji Speedway, Cadillac secured their first-ever pole position in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). British driver Alex Lynn delivered a stunning performance behind the wheel of the Ganassi-run Caddy V-Series.R LMDh, edging out Toyota to claim the coveted top spot on the grid for the penultimate round of the 2024 WEC season.
Lynn’s journey to pole position was not without its challenges. After starting the Hyperpole qualifying session in ninth place, he unleashed a blistering lap time of 1m29.801s on his second push lap, catapulting himself to the front of the pack. His impressive display of speed and precision left the competition in awe and marked a historic moment for Cadillac in the world of endurance racing.
Reflecting on his pole-winning performance, Lynn expressed his admiration for the car’s capabilities on a single lap. He dedicated the achievement to the Cadillac team, highlighting their relentless pursuit of excellence throughout the season. Lynn’s victory was not just a personal triumph but a testament to the collective effort and dedication of the entire Cadillac racing operation.
Intense Battle with Toyota
The battle for pole position at WEC Fuji was fierce, with Toyota putting up a strong fight on their home turf. Ryo Hirakawa of Toyota’s GR010 HYBRID Le Mans Hypercar team came close to claiming the top spot, posting a competitive lap time of 1m28.942s to secure second place on the grid. The rivalry between Cadillac and Toyota added an extra layer of excitement to the qualifying session, setting the stage for an epic showdown in the upcoming race.
Despite the initial dominance of the Toyota cars in qualifying, Lynn’s remarkable performance shifted the dynamics of the competition. Kamui Kobayashi, one of Toyota’s star drivers, had to settle for fourth place after a late surge from Dries Vanthoor in the WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 LMDh. The battle at the front of the grid showcased the intensity and unpredictability of endurance racing, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Strong Showing from Porsche and Alpine
While Cadillac and Toyota took the spotlight in qualifying, Porsche and Alpine also made their presence felt on the grid. Kevin Estre piloted the championship-leading Porsche 963 LMDh to a solid fifth-place finish, demonstrating the team’s consistency and competitiveness in the highly competitive field. Charles Milesi continued Alpine’s strong performance with a sixth-place finish, showcasing the team’s potential to challenge the frontrunners in the race.
The diversity of manufacturers and teams competing in the WEC Fuji event added depth and intrigue to the qualifying session, highlighting the rich tapestry of talent and technology in endurance racing. As the teams prepared for the grueling six-hour race ahead, the stage was set for a thrilling battle of strategy, skill, and sheer determination on the iconic Fuji Speedway circuit.
LMGT3 Pole Position Drama
In the LMGT3 category, Ferrari made headlines with a dramatic pole position victory courtesy of Francois Heriau in the AF Corse team’s entry. Heriau’s late improvement in the #55 Ferrari 296 GT3 during the Hyperpole session propelled him to the top of the leaderboard, narrowly surpassing Tom van Rompuy in the #81 TF Sport Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R. The intense competition in the LMGT3 class added a layer of excitement to the qualifying session, showcasing the talent and tenacity of the drivers and teams vying for supremacy.
The United Autosports McLaren team also made an impression in the LMGT3 category, securing third and fifth place on the grid with their pair of 720S GT3 EVOs. With a strong showing from Sarah Bovy in the Iron Dames Lamborghini Huracan EVO2, the LMGT3 field promised a thrilling battle for position and prestige in the upcoming race. The diversity of manufacturers and teams in the category underscored the competitive spirit and passion that drive endurance racing to new heights of excitement and intrigue.
As the anticipation built for the start of the Fuji 6 Hours, fans and drivers alike braced themselves for a thrilling spectacle of speed, strategy, and skill on the iconic circuit. The stage was set for a memorable clash of titans in the world of endurance racing, as Cadillac, Toyota, Ferrari, Porsche, and a host of other manufacturers and teams prepared to battle it out for supremacy on the track. The WEC Fuji event promised to deliver high-octane action, drama, and excitement, showcasing the best of endurance racing on a global stage.