Corvette Racing Confirms 6H Shanghai Entry

Corvette Racing has confirmed that it will enter the Shanghai round of the FIA World Endurance Championship in November.

A single Corvette C7.R will join the GTE-Pro grid for round five of the 2018-19 ‘Super Season’ in what will mark the U.S. company’s factory racing debut in Asia.

Sportscar365 believes that the entry has been the result of increasing pressure from the ACO for General Motors to contest world championship races outside the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

It’s also understood that a Corvette entry into the 1000-mile WEC contest at Sebring next March is likely.

The Shanghai car will compete in a one-off Redline livery to promote the launch of Chevrolet’s special edition range in China, which is the company’s second-largest market.

The driver lineup has yet to be announced.

“Corvette Racing has proven itself as a world-class racing program,” said Mark Kent, Chevrolet director of motorsports competition.

“Competing in the Shanghai race provides us [with] an additional opportunity to test ourselves against the top manufacturers and teams in the FIA WEC.”

Corvette’s presence at the 6 Hours of Shanghai brings the number of GTE-Pro manufacturers up to six, after Porsche, Ford, Ferrari, Aston Martin and BMW.

“We are delighted to be able to welcome Corvette Racing and Chevrolet Shanghai GM to the 6 Hours of Shanghai in November,” said WEC CEO Gerard Neveu.

“To have a brand with the history and success of Corvette Racing join our already very strong field of manufacturers means an even higher level of competition in our LMGTE category and increased entertainment for the thousands of Chinese fans who visit the race.

“I know the whole WEC paddock will look forward to welcoming Chevrolet and Corvette Racing.”