TF Sport turned a difficult starting position into a historic victory as its #33 Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R climbed from 17th on the LMGT3 grid to win the class at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Nicky Catsburg, Jonny Edgar and Ben Keating combined patience, consistent pace and smart decision-making to guide the Corvette through the field. Their performance delivered Corvette’s first victory under the LMGT3 regulations and the manufacturer’s tenth class win at Le Mans.
The result also marked TF Sport’s fourth Le Mans triumph on its tenth appearance at the event. However, the team had to construct the victory gradually, with each driver completing a crucial part of the recovery before Edgar brought the car to the chequered flag.
Keating lays foundations for TF Sport recovery
Keating started the race and immediately took responsibility for a significant part of the team’s early running. The American completed several consecutive stints during the opening eight hours, allowing TF Sport to work through his required driving time while maintaining a steady position in the race.
Rather than forcing an early charge, the team focused on building its strategy methodically. Keating kept the Corvette out of trouble, protected the car and provided Catsburg and Edgar with a strong platform for the night.
His performance carried additional significance because he had broken his elbow only nine weeks before the race. Despite that setback, Keating completed his demanding early programme and helped place the #33 in a position to attack later.
Keating also believed the hot conditions suited the Corvette throughout the race.
“This has to be the best weather I’ve ever seen in Le Mans, in the 12 times I’ve done it. It was a green race. It made for really competitive racing. I think the extreme heat out there was really beneficial for our car.”
Edgar and Catsburg move Corvette into contention
As darkness settled over the Circuit de la Sarthe, Edgar and Catsburg began moving the #33 through the LMGT3 order. The pair maintained the patient approach established by Keating while using the Corvette’s pace to gain positions during the night.
By dawn, TF Sport had transformed its race. Edgar moved the Corvette into first place during Hour 10, completing the climb from the lower reaches of the starting grid to the head of the class.
Catsburg then strengthened the team’s position by extending the lead to approximately three minutes. However, a safety car intervention erased most of that advantage and reduced the gap to only a few seconds.
The interruption forced TF Sport to rebuild its lead and placed renewed pressure on the drivers. Nevertheless, the team remained composed and continued to rely on the Corvette’s pace over longer runs.
Edgar completes decisive five-stint finish
Edgar took control of the #33 during the closing phase and delivered the defining performance of the race. The British driver remained behind the wheel for four hours and completed five stints as TF Sport attempted to secure the victory.
At only 22 years old, Edgar handled the pressure of leading at Le Mans while managing traffic, tyre performance and the demands of an extended final run. He kept the Corvette clear of its rivals and completed the recovery from P17.
Edgar believed the car’s performance on the Goodyear tyres gave TF Sport an important advantage, particularly during the second stint on each set.
“I think our car is already the best on the Goodyear tyres. Especially the second stint, we could always make a difference. That’s where we managed to grow the gap.”
His closing effort earned him his first Le Mans class victory. The result also gave Catsburg his second win at the event and Keating his third.
Catsburg praises Edgar after LMGT3 victory
Catsburg quickly highlighted Edgar’s role in converting TF Sport’s strong position into victory. The experienced Dutch driver credited his younger teammate for producing an exceptional performance during the final stages.
“Johnny Edgar did an amazing race. He was man of the match if you ask me.”
Edgar’s long final run represented the last stage of a collective effort. Keating established the team’s early foundation, Catsburg helped build the lead and Edgar completed the task under pressure.
That balance allowed TF Sport to recover from its low starting position without relying on one sudden strategic gamble. Instead, the team built the result across the full 24 hours.
Corvette reaches ten Le Mans class victories
The win gave Corvette Racing its tenth class triumph at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The American manufacturer claimed its first victory at the event in 2001 and last reached the top of its class in 2023, when Catsburg and Keating won in LMGTE Am.
The 2026 result therefore opened a new chapter for Corvette under the LMGT3 regulations. It also showed the strength of the Z06 LMGT3.R in the difficult heat and over the extended tyre runs that shaped the race.
General Motors chairman Mark Reuss celebrated the achievement and praised the wider group behind the programme.
“What a day for General Motors and Corvette Racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans!”
He added: “A tenth class win for Corvette Racing at Le Mans is a super success for our design, engineering and racing teams.”
The #33 finished ahead of the #78 Akkodis ASP Team Lexus and the #23 Heart of Racing Team Aston Martin, which completed the LMGT3 podium.
TF Sport strengthens long-running Corvette partnership
The victory also carried major significance for TF Sport. The British team secured its fourth Le Mans class win during its tenth appearance at the race and delivered its most important result since beginning its partnership with Corvette.
TF Sport had to adapt to the Corvette package and develop the programme over time. At Le Mans, the team brought those lessons together through disciplined strategy, reliable pit work and consistent driving.
The result also moved TF Sport to the lead of the FIA Endurance Trophy for LMGT3 Teams, ahead of Vista AF Corse and Akkodis ASP Team.
However, the championship advantage only tells part of the story. By taking the #33 from P17 to victory, TF Sport demonstrated the patience and resilience required to succeed at Le Mans.
TF Sport builds victory lap by lap
The #33 Corvette did not win through a single decisive moment. Instead, TF Sport constructed the result across each phase of the race.
Keating completed the demanding early work, Edgar and Catsburg moved the car through the field overnight and the team responded calmly when the safety car removed its three-minute advantage. Edgar then produced a composed five-stint finish to secure the win.
The performance combined experience, strategy, consistency and speed. It also delivered a landmark first LMGT3 win for Corvette and extended the manufacturer’s Le Mans record to ten class victories.
Starting from P17 made the challenge greater, but it also made the final result more significant. TF Sport and Corvette earned the victory through a sustained climb that lasted the full 24 hours.
