Lamborghini GTE Program gets the axe

Lamborghini Huracan GTE

Lamborghini has elected not to move forward with its proposed GTE effort, with a focus instead set to be placed on its customer-based programs in the short and mid-term, according to motorsports boss Giorgio Sanna.

The Italian manufacturer had been evaluating a step up to the top production-based ranks since at least 2016, with multiple design studies undertaken for a Lamborghini Huracan GTE.

It’s understood the proposal would have seen factory programs in both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship, including an assault on the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

In a Sportscar365 exclusive interview, Sanna explained that current instability in the overall sports car racing landscape has resulted in Lamborghini putting its GTE prospects on hold for the time being.

“GTE, for the moment, is not in our plan," Sanna told Sportscar365. “For sure in the next three years, there will be no [higher] program than GT3.
“It was a decision made recently based on the actual situation on the next few years.

“As you can imagine, to develop GTE car, you need to at least work two or three years. But first of all you need to know where you’re going.

“Until the situation will become clear or sustainable, for us, we prefer to wait."

Sanna indicated the evolving regulations in the sports car racing world, including the FIA and ACO’s proposed ‘Hypercar’ platform, which could lead to a depletion of GTE manufacturer involvement, was a contributing factor. sportscar365