# 33 C8R GT3 Corvette takes second straight WEC win in Portugal

After winning at Sebring, “amateur classed” drivers Ben Keating (USA), Nico Varrone (ARG) and Nicky Catsburg NLD) made it two in a row in the six-hour race on the picturesque 2.85-mile Portimão circuit in the Algarve region of Portugal, a mere 4,238 miles across the globe.

Corvette Racing hit the jackpot in signing up 3 entirely new drivers consisting of Keating (rated bronze), Varrone (rated silver) and Catsburg (rated platinum) mandated by the rules.

Keating qualified the # 33 chassis C8R GT3 chassis 006 on pole on soft tires, chosen by the engineers, even though those soft tires would be ruled ineligible for the race.

Tire wear plays a huge role.  Since the Corvette was assessed an extra 30 kg (66 lbs) of “success” ballast, not placing extra load on soft tires made a lot of sense.  That and adjusting the Corvette to changes on the track over the six-hour race.

The lone Corvette beat a GTE AM field comprised of no less than 4 Ferraris, 6 Porsches and 3 Aston Martins.

Falling back as far as fifth, the Corvette managed to keep up, capturing 6 to 7 seconds from quicker pit stops for fuel and tires.

And by maneuvering for space among thirteen quicker LMP 2 prototypes.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1647650587788361728

 Watch Catsburg battle with Alessio Rovera in the # 83 Richard Mille AF Corse Ferrari 488 GTE EVO, winning by just 0.26 seconds.

The team rejoiced as they head off for the next round on April 29-30 at the famed Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.