Automobili Lamborghini has built a presence in motorsport through powerboat racing, Formula 1, GT3 competitions and its dedicated racing division, Lamborghini Squadra Corse. Over the years, the company has developed racing programs, customer championships and track-focused models connected to its motorsport activities.
Lamborghini’s involvement in different forms of racing has also contributed to the development of its motorsport-focused vehicles and global racing series. This ongoing progress forms the core of the Lamborghini motorsport division.
Lamborghini’s Early Motorsport Activities
Lamborghini’s journey into motorsport began long before its official racing division. The Lamborghini racing team was involved in early experiments in powerboat racing and Formula 1 engine development. These early efforts laid the foundation for its competitive legacy.
Powerboat Racing According to Lamborghini
Lamborghini’s involvement in competitive racing began in the boating industry in 1967, when Ferruccio Lamborghini requested a Riva Super Aquarama equipped with a pair of engines used in the Lamborghini 350 GT.
In the early 1980s, Lamborghini engines began appearing in powerboat competitions, which gained major popularity through extensive international media coverage. Lamborghini officially debuted in powerboat racing in 1984.
From 1984 to 2007, Lamborghini achieved:
- 10 world titles
- Numerous European titles
- Multiple national titles
The company became the second most successful manufacturer in the sport during this period.
Lamborghini’s Formula 1 Debut
In 1989, Lamborghini entered Formula One as an engine manufacturer.
To support the project, Lamborghini created Lamborghini Engineering, an independent structure located near Sant’Agata Bolognese. The division was led by engineer Mauro Forghieri, who designed a naturally aspirated 12-cylinder Formula 1 engine.
Between the 1989 and 1993 seasons, Lamborghini supplied engines to several teams, including:
- Larrousse
- Team Lotus
- Minardi
- Ligier
- Modena Team
Among these teams, Modena Team was the only one that relied on Lamborghini Engineering to manufacture the entire car.
Lamborghini Squadra Corse
Lamborghini Squadra Corse was established in 2013 as Lamborghini’s official motorsport department. In 2023, the division celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Before the creation of Squadra Corse, Lamborghini launched the Lamborghini Super Trofeo championship in Europe in 2009. The championship later expanded to Asia in 2012 and North America in 2013.
Following the success of Super Trofeo, Lamborghini developed a GT3 racing program. In 2014, Squadra Corse announced the Lamborghini Huracán GT3, which made its racing debut the following year.
The Huracán GT3 secured victory in its debut season with the Grasser Racing Team during the 2015 Blancpain GT calendar.
Three years after its debut, the Huracán GT3 earned its first victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona. This was followed by a win at the 12 Hours of Sebring less than two months later.
Lamborghini later achieved consecutive victories at Daytona over the following two years, while the Sebring success was repeated in 2019.
Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championships
A major part of Lamborghini Motorsport history, the Super Trofeo series represents the brand’s global one-make racing platform across three continents.
Super Trofeo Europe
The European championship is the longest-established Lamborghini championship and takes place alongside five races of the GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS.
The series is held on circuits including:
- Autodromo Nazionale Monza
- Silverstone Circuit
- Circuit Paul Ricard
- Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
The championship features GT racers, gentleman drivers and motorsport champions.
Super Trofeo North America
The North American championship debuted in 2013 and races on historic American circuits such as:
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Watkins Glen International
The championship has helped young drivers gain experience and progress toward events such as the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Super Trofeo Asia
Super Trofeo Asia began in 2012 and has featured more than 254 drivers from 30 different nationalities.
The championship has raced on circuits including:
- Sepang International Circuit
- Fuji Speedway
The series has also been hosted in several Asian countries over the years.
Super Trofeo World Finals
Since 2013, the Lamborghini World Final has concluded every Super Trofeo season.
Drivers from all continental championships compete in two 50-minute sprint races, with the overall winner crowned as the Lamborghini World Final champion.
The event also serves as a motorsport festival for Lamborghini fans and owners from around the world.
GT3 Racing
GT3 refers to a category of racing cars that comply with FIA regulations.
The first FIA GT3 European Championship took place in 2005 and quickly became popular among both fans and drivers. From its first season, the GT3 category established itself as a benchmark for professional and gentleman drivers.
Lamborghini Motorsport Cars
Lamborghini’s motorsport lineup includes:
- Temerario GT3
- Huracán GT3 EVO2
- Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2
- SC18 Alston
- Essenza SCV12
- SC20
- Heritage
FAQs
What is Lamborghini’s motorsport division?
Lamborghini Squadra Corse is Lamborghini’s official motorsport department responsible for racing programs, championships and track-focused vehicle development.
What is the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series?
Lamborghini Super Trofeo is Lamborghini’s one-make racing championship held across Europe, North America and Asia using Lamborghini race cars.
From powerboat racing and Formula 1 engine programs to Super Trofeo championships and GT3 competitions, Lamborghini Squadra Corse continues to play an important role in Lamborghini’s racing activities. The company’s motorsport involvement has also influenced the engineering and design of its road-going models over the years.
For buyers interested in experiencing the brand beyond the racetrack, there are various Lamborghini cars for sale in the UAE, ranging from everyday supercars to high-performance models inspired by Lamborghini’s motorsport heritage.
Keep reading dubizzle’s auto blog to learn more about popular brands’ history and evolution.
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