Albuquerque-Vesti about Cadillac's work at Daytona
Our colleague Piero Lonardo concluded interviews with Filipe Albuquerque and Frederik Vesti, who talks about Cadillac's work at Daytona, the first round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
📷 © Luc Warnotte at ROLEX 24 at Daytona 2026. #10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R and #31 Cadillac Whelen V-Series.R
Filipe Albuquerque, #10 Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R
The Portuguese driver will be in action with the #10 V-Series.R of Wayne Taylor Racing, once again teaming up with Ricky Taylor.
📷 © Luc Warnotte at ROLEX 24 at Daytona 2026. #10 Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R with Felipe Albuquerque top left.
The multiple winner of the event at the 'World Center of Racing' spoke to colleague Piero Lonardo before qualifying, telling us about the collaboration between the teams competing in the IMSA WTSC and JOTA, which will once again be a protagonist in the World Endurance Championship with the V-Series.R.
How do you feel after the first practice sessions?
"From the tests until now, everyone has been very close; however, the lap times are getting faster. With qualifying, we will finally see the real performance levels, but there are still many things to understand. It's hotter than last week, and something has changed."
So, is the ‘Joker’ working?
“The new updates seem to be showing good results. There are still many questions to be answered, especially regarding single-lap performance. We mainly used the ‘Joker’ to improve the car's behavior in race conditions.”
📷 © Luc Warnotte at ROLEX 24 at Daytona 2026. #10 Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R
And at Daytona, the night is very important…
“Last year our Cadillac was very competitive at night. Unfortunately, however, we didn't have the pace to overtake the others once the sun came up.”
Have you done many tests with this new version of the Cadillac?
“We have carried out several tests, I think we have done a good job. However, we don't know what the others have done, we will find out soon…”
You also have a super team this year…
“This year we have a competitive team, and having the double program in the FIA WEC helps a lot. There are JOTA technicians here in Daytona helping us; we are all working together. There is an important exchange between the parties, not only with Whelen Engineering. We already started collaborating last year, and now we are continuing with this system. This will certainly also be useful for JOTA when the WEC season starts in Qatar.”
Interview conducted by Piero Lonardo
Frederik Vesti, #31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac
Frederik Vesti is entering his second year in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the GTP class, confirmed for the Michelin Endurance Cup races with the #31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac. The Dane returns with Jack Aitken and Earl Bamber for the endurance races, and new NASCAR Cup Series driver Connor Zilisch will also be joining them at Daytona.
📷 © Luc Warnotte at ROLEX 24 at Daytona 2026. #31 Cadillac Whelen V-Series.R with Frederik Vesti top left
The 24-year-old former FIA F2 driver gave a brief statement to our colleague Piero Lonardo before qualifying, which saw the #31 Cadillac take setting the fastest lap during qualifying.
How do you feel about your second season in IMSA?
“Racing in IMSA is always special. I feel much more prepared than last season, and I can't wait to start a new season with the #31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac. Our team is very competitive.”
📷 © Luc Warnotte at ROLEX 24 at Daytona 2026. #31 Cadillac Whelen V-Series.R
What do you think of the weather? Is it warmer these days compared to the tests? Is that better for Cadillac?
“I'd say we're prepared for any conditions. We hope our Cadillac likes the heat, as the temperature is expected to rise in the coming days, especially during the race.”
Interview conducted by Piero Lonardo
Related Info
📷 © Luc Warnotte at ROLEX 24 at Daytona 2026. Vanthoor - Porsche fastest during session 3 today.
📷 © Luc Warnotte at ROLEX 24 at Daytona 2026. #93 Acura ARX-06 in Rolex 24 Pole Position
📷© Luc Warnotte at Daytona 2026. Three manufacturers within 0.146" during session 1
