Lamborghini is the latest manufacturer to announce its intention to compete in the FIA and IMSA World Endurance Championships.
Lamborghini Squadra Corse is developing its first LMDh prototype to participate in both championships and enter both championships in 2024.
Legendary brand – 11th The manufacturer will confirm the entry into a new era of Hypercar competitions Sportscar along with other Italian manufacturers Ferrari, Toyota, Alpine, Glickenhaus, Audi, Porsche, Peugeot, Acura, Cadillac and BMW.
Since 2015, Lamborghini has been at the top of the GT races, winning more than 40 titles and winning the GTD class at Daytona 24 Hours for three years in a row.
However, this announcement today will see Lamborghini ascend to the top-of-the-line Hypercar class, where they will compete for real prizes in races such as 24 Hours of Le Mans, 24 Hours of Dayton and 12 Hours of Sebring.
Lamborghini Chairman and CEO Stefan Winkelmann explained why it was such an important step for the legendary brand.
“This step into the top echelon of sports car racing is an important milestone for our company,” he said.
“We will measure ourselves with the best, on the most demanding landfills.
“On the one hand, it will give our successful motorsport program even more visibility, but it will also allow us to test future technology: our LMDh prototypes will become our most challenging open lab on four wheels.”
The Squadra Corse is taking a step into the motorsport landscape by being guided by hybrid engines, and has stated that by the end of 2024, the entire Lamborghini road range will also go that route.
For Lamborghini, the LMDh program will run in addition to the GT Squadra Corse platform, which consists of the Super Trofeo and GT3, which remains the core of customers ’motorsport activities.
“I am very pleased that Lamborghini will take the next step in our motorsport, a step in LMDh and a high level of racing in sports cars,” said Lamborghini motorsport manager Giorgio Sanna.
“LMDh will play a special role in Lamborghini Motorsports ‘strategy, giving us a unique opportunity to expand our customers’ racing activities to new platforms and strengthen our long-term partnership with customer teams and drivers.”
WIA CEO Frédéric Lecienne is pleased to see a range of brands on the network in 2024.
“We are honored that Lamborghini will join the Hypercar FIA WEC class from 2024,” he said.
“Lamborghini is an iconic brand, but it has never before raced for premier endurance. They join the FIA WEC at a very interesting time in its history.
“For the 2024 season, there will be an excellent lineup of brands competing in our premier class. The competition will be fierce, but we have no doubt that Lamborghini will be in the thick of the fight.
“Lamborghini has been very successful in other classes of endurance races, so we can’t wait to see them compete for overall victories in our iconic competitions.”
IMSA President John Dunant agreed, explaining that the brand has a long history with IMSA.
“IMSA has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Lamborghini, starting with the introduction of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America ten years ago and continuing the successful GTD program,” Dunan said.
“We are proud that Lamborghini is confirming plans to expand its IMSA in 2024 into the GTP and the highest category of racing sports car prototypes.
“The fact that another manufacturer of this caliber has committed to racing in the GTP strengthens the LMDh technical platform we developed with our partners in the ACO, and we can’t wait to see these new Lamborghini prototypes debut at the IMSA SportsCar Championship Championship 2024 ».
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https://autoaction.com.au/2022/05/18/lamborghini-latest-brand-to-enter-hypercar-era
