Lamborghini Squadra Corse, sports arm of the legendary Italian firm, has officially announced the start of a program in the elite of the resistance which will lead to the presence of the manufacturer from Sant’Agata Bolognese in the queen class of the WEC and IMSA from 2024. Between the two existing formulas to compete in these instances, Lamborghini has chosen to develop a prototype under LMDh regulations which will be eligible for both the Hypercar category of the World Endurance Championship and the GTP class of the American competition.
Since 2015 Lamborghini has been competing at the highest level in the best GT vehicle categories, spearheading its GT3 project. The firm has achieved during this stage more than 40 titles and class victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona -2018, 2019 and 2020-. Now, the brand will be able to fight for the absolute victory not only in Daytona, but also in Sebring or in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with an LMDh prototype that stars in an endurance program that will not alter the current GT3 and Super Trophy projects.
For now, Lamborghini Squadra Corse has not announced the supplier chosen for the chassis of its LMDh, although it could be Ligier, breaking with the choice of Porsche and Audi -brands also from the VAG Group- to work with Multimatic. Be that as it may, Lamborghini reaches the pinnacle of endurance, as Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Lamborghini explains: “This move to the highest echelon of endurance racing marks an important milestone for the company. We will measure ourselves against the best in the most demanding scenarios. Our LMDh prototype will be the best laboratory for our technologies.”
Giorgio Sannaresponsible for Lamborghini Squadra Corse, added: «I am absolutely delighted that Lamborghini is taking the next step in our motorsport drive.. A step that involves having an LMDh and competing at the highest level of resistance. The LMDh project will play a special role in Lamborghini’s racing strategygiving us the unique opportunity to expand our customer racing activities to new platforms and enforce our long-term partnership with our customer teams and drivers.”
Pierre Fillonas president of ACO, has pointed out: «Having Lamborghini is great for endurance. The new Hypercar class continues to attract manufacturers from around the world. We are at the beginning of another golden age of resistance. For its part, Frederic Lequien as CEO of the WEC has sentenced: «We are honored to have Lamborghini join the WEC Hypercar class from 2024. Lamborghini is an iconic brand, but it had never competed in the premier endurance class. In 2024 there will be exceptional competition, but I’m sure Lamborghini will be in the thick of the fight».
Photos: Lamborghini Squadra Corse