The 24 Hours of Le Mans got underway this weekend, and for Corvette Racing’s new program manager Andrea Hidalgo, the race marks her first time at the event in a leadership role. Hidalgo took over the position in January after five years with the Corvette Racing factory team, a background that includes powertrain support work and a stint with TF Sport.
Her job now centers on coordinating engineering support between Chevrolet and the teams fielding the Corvette Z06 GT3.R, a shift that has put her in regular contact with championship organizers, drivers, team managers and media in addition to the garage work she was used to. Before the race began, Hidalgo spoke about the transition into her new role and what to expect from Corvette’s effort at this year’s running.
“It’s been really busy but also really exciting,” Hidalgo said of her first six months on the job. “Luckily I came into this role already familiar with the Corvette Z06 GT3.R and with many of the teams and drivers. My past experience was mainly in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA, so I’ve been learning more about how some of the other series operate.” She pointed to races in both championships, plus the GT World Challenge Europe round at Paul Ricard, as eye-opening looks at fan engagement and crowd turnout outside the garage environment she knew.
Hidalgo also reflected on what it means to lead a program with Corvette Racing’s history, having contributed to the team’s 2023 Le Mans win before helping develop and launch the GT3 program. “There is so much history in Corvette Racing, and there is definitely a sense of pride and gratitude that comes with being able to lead this program,” she said. “I care deeply about Corvette Racing and its relevance to the road car, as well as its legacy of success in motorsports.”
Corvette enters this year’s race with its largest contingent at Le Mans in a decade, four Z06 GT3.Rs split between TF Sport, which runs three entries, and 13 Autosport, which runs the fourth. It marks the third year Corvette has competed at Le Mans with the Z06 GT3.R. Hidalgo said preparation leaned heavily on simulator work from Corvette Racing’s factory drivers, with that data feeding pre-race setup recommendations across all four cars. “Each team has proven they can win races, and we will be there in full force to support them in this year’s quest,” she said.
The buildup to the race wasn’t without setbacks. The No. 34 Corvette was disqualified from qualifying, leaving all four entries to start from the back half of the 25-car LMGT3 grid. Still, the team enters the race with optimism that it can move forward through the field over 24 hours of racing.
For Hidalgo, Le Mans carries personal weight beyond the results sheet. She was part of the team during the 2023 class win, which she called the highlight of her career, while the difficult finish to the 2022 race remains something she hopes not to repeat. She also pointed to the buildup surrounding the event, including Le Pesage scrutineering and the driver parade through town, as part of what sets Le Mans apart. “There is nothing like it,” she said, “and I am so excited to get back this year.”
The 24 Hours of Le Mans began Saturday, June 13, and concludes Sunday, June 14.
