Cadillac’s Historic Triumph at Interlagos Sparks Optimism for Future Success
Cadillac’s Breakthrough Victory in the World Endurance Championship
In a landmark achievement, Cadillac secured its first-ever victory in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the Interlagos circuit in São Paulo, Brazil. The triumph, achieved on Sunday, marks a significant milestone for the American automaker and its dedicated racing team, Jota Sport. The winning team comprised drivers Alex Lynn, Will Stevens, and Norman Nato, who piloted the #12 Cadillac V-Series.R LMDh to a commanding finish.
A New Era of Ambition and Confidence
Alex Lynn, one of the key drivers, expressed immense enthusiasm about the victory, emphasizing that it signifies the start of a promising journey. “This win is just the beginning,” Lynn stated, highlighting the potential for Cadillac and Jota to reach new heights in endurance racing. “With this program, we can accomplish everything we aspire to, and I am genuinely thrilled about what lies ahead. The possibilities for this car and our partnership are limitless,” he added.
Lynn also praised the progress made by Jota Sport, which took over the factory-backed Cadillac program from Chip Ganassi Racing earlier this season. Since beginning testing in 2022, the British team has made remarkable strides in development, transforming the car into a formidable competitor. “The improvements have been astonishing,” Lynn remarked. “Every time I get behind the wheel, I think, ‘Wow, I really enjoy this.’ It’s incredible how quickly we’re advancing as a team.”
Dreams of Endurance Glory
Lynn’s comments reflect a broader aspiration shared by the team: victory at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Known as the pinnacle of endurance racing, Le Mans is often considered the ultimate test for both driver and machine. Lynn, who finished fourth at this year’s race alongside Nato and Stevens, remains optimistic about future chances. “Le Mans is the race where the car truly shines,” he explained. “We’re confident that with continued development, we can contend for the win there.”
The Significance of the Interlagos Win
The recent success at Interlagos not only demonstrates Cadillac’s growing competitiveness but also signifies a turning point for the team’s confidence. Although the race was not as dominant as some of the fiercest battles seen in recent years-such as Ferrari’s recent dominance-the team’s performance was impressive. Lynn reflected, “While this race wasn’t a Ferrari-level spectacle, the feeling I get from driving this car makes me believe we’re capable of fighting for victories regularly.”
Jota Sport’s Legacy and Future Outlook
Jota Sport’s founder, Sam Hignett, highlighted the importance of this victory in the context of the team’s history. Since entering the WEC full-time in 2016 with the G-Drive Racing banner, Jota has maintained an impressive record of success, winning in class or overall in every season for over a decade. Their first class win at Le Mans in 2014 and subsequent victories, including a notable win at Spa in 2015, laid the groundwork for their current achievements.
Hignett emphasized that the team’s goal has always been to win early and aim for the championship within a few seasons. The recent Interlagos 1-2 finish, achieved with the Cadillac and driven by Stevens and Callum Ilott, surpasses their previous milestone at Spa, which was their first overall victory. “Spa was special because it was our first win, and luck played a role,” he recalled. “This time, we genuinely dominated on pace, and finishing first and second was a fantastic achievement.”
Looking Ahead: The Road to Continued Success
With this victory, Cadillac and Jota Sport have demonstrated their potential to challenge established endurance racing giants. The team’s focus now shifts toward further development, with aspirations to secure more wins and ultimately claim the prestigious Le Mans crown. As the WEC season progresses, all eyes will be on Cadillac’s continued rise and the realization of their long-term ambitions in endurance racing.
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Image Credit: FIAWEC – DPPI