Corvette Racing joins WEC GTE entry for Shanghai

Corvette Racing has been announced as a surprise additional manufacturer for the FIA WEC's 6 Hours of Shanghai later this year.

The American team, which competes full time in IMSA's WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, will compete in the GTE ranks of the FIA WEC with a C7.R in a standard WEC six-hour race for the first time since its one-off appearance at the FIA WEC/IMSA double-header at COTA back in 2014.

At present, there's no news on who will drive the team's C7.R at the race, though a special 'Redline' livery has been shown off for the event, scheduled for November 18.

With the addition of Corvette, there will be six factory teams racing in GTE at the event.

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

Mark Kent, Chevrolet Director of Motorsports Competition added: “Corvette Racing has proven itself as a world-class racing program. Competing in the Shanghai race provides us an additional opportunity to test ourselves against the top manufacturers and teams in the FIA WEC.”