Lamborghini Squadra Corse has unveiled the seven drivers which will form its official Factory Driver roster for 2022, contesting the most important GT3 championships at the wheel of the Huracán GT3 EVO. Giacomo Altoè, Mirko Bortolotti, Andrea Caldarelli, Albert Costa, Marco Mapelli, Sandy Mitchell and Franck Perera retain their places within the program, with the task of adding to the 42 championship wins – including seven last year – achieved since 2015.
The 2022 Lamborghini Factory Driver line-up has an extraordinary resumé: Altoè won the Italian Gran Turismo Championship in 2018 before adding the International GT Open Championship alongside Costa the following year. Caldarelli and Mapelli completed GT World Challenge Europe’s unofficial ‘triple crown’ of the Sprint, Endurance and Overall titles in 2019 and added four pole positions and one victory with 2017 Blancpain GT Series champion Bortolotti last season. The roster is completed by Scottish driver Mitchell, the 2020 British GT champion and the highly experienced Franck Perera (France), winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2018.
“I am proud and satisfied with the results achieved last season,” commented Giorgio Sanna, Lamborghini’s Head of Motorsport, “and the fundamental contribution made by our Factory Drivers. Our objectives for 2022 are to confirm our leadership in the championships where we’ve already achieved success, to reach the goals that have eluded us thus far, and to be competitive right away in the new challenges that await us. I am confident that the qualities of the Huracán GT3 EVO, combined with the talent of our drivers, will give us plenty of satisfaction. Finally, our best wishes and good luck to Giovanni Venturini, a Factory Driver for eight years, to whom we extend the thanks of the entire Squadra Corse division.”
For six of the drivers, the first challenge will be the 24 Hours of Daytona (January 29-30), an event won by Lamborghini for three consecutive editions in the GTD class between 2018 and 2020. Bortolotti (in his seventh participation and winner in 2018 and 2019), Caldarelli (sixth participation and winner in 2020) and Mapelli (fifth participation and second place in 2020) will debut in the new GT Daytona Pro category with American team TR3 Racing driving the #63 Huracán GT3 EVO, the only Lamborghini in a class with 13 registered crews for a total of 61 cars on the grid. Joining the three official drivers is Swiss driver Rolf Ineichen, already a two-time winner of the race with Lamborghini in 2018 and 2019. #63 Huracán will start the race from the pole position thanks to Bortolotti and Caldarelli, who claimed the Motul Pole Award by winning Qualifying Race at Daytona International Speedway.
“The 24 Hours of Daytona has a special meaning for us. After three victories and four podiums in a row, we are obviously determined to aim high again,” remarked Sanna. “This edition of the race marks the beginning of a new partnership between Lamborghini and TR3 Racing, a team that has a lot of experience and certainly has all the potential to achieve good results.”
It will be the second experience in Daytona for Altoè, who will strengthen an otherwise all-American crew of the Huracán lined up in the GTD class by TR3 Racing, the #19 entrusted to John Megrue, Jeff Segal and Bill Sweedler. Mitchell will make his debut on the Florida tri-oval, supporting veteran Corey Lewis (winner in 2020), Robert Megennis and Jeff Westphal in the #39 Huracán of the CarBahn with Peregrine Racing team. Finally, Perera will flank Lamborghini GT3 Junior Drivers Mateo Llarena and Maximilian Paul in T3 Motorsport’s #71 Huracán.
The 2022 Daytona 24 Hour race also marks the renewal of the partnership between Lamborghini and IMSA. First agreed between the Italian car maker and the International Motor Sports Association in 2013 – marking the debut of Lamborghini Super Trofeo one make series in America – the partnership has been extended for a further five years (2022 – 2026).
“We are really proud about this partnership extension – said Sanna – IMSA is a prestigious partner for us, especially in a strategic market like North America. I’m really looking forward to see our brand new Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2 racing in such iconic tracks as Laguna Seca, racing together with IMSA for the 10th following season”.
“Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America has thrilled fans with its fast, exotic cars and tight competition for nearly a decade,” IMSA President John Doonan said. “As we prepare for this special season, it’s good to know that the foundation has been laid for the series to continue growing and thriving for years to come. With a new car, new teams and a larger number of entries expected, the future bodes well for Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America to continue as a vibrant part of the IMSA family”.
Source. Lamborghini
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