P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Antonio Giovinazzi of the #51 Ferrari 499P led after three hours at the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Qatar 1812 km season-opener.
The pole-sitter led the pack of 34 cars with three hours done and seven hours to go at Lusail International Circuit. In the second hour, the factory Ferrari Hypercars kept their positions after pit stops. The Porsche Penske Hypercar pitted early due to a slow puncture, changing a tire and holding third place. The #009 Aston Martin Valkyrie returned with a new door and driver. Peugeot was doing well until a penalty dropped them back, while Toyota recovered from a qualifying mishap. The first virtual safety car came out for a stranded car, Ferrari dominated, and a collision shuffled the Hypercar field. With seven hours left, Ye from Ferrari took the lead after a penalty reshuffled the top positions. In the LMGT3 category, McLaren regained the lead with the United Autosports team.
