Giorgio Sanna (LMDh) : "Starting in 2024 is the good timing for Lamborghini"

The rumour of a Lamborghini hypercar has been around for quite some time...

"The discussions go back to more or less two years ago. As soon as this Hypercar category mixing LMH and LMDh was announced, Lamborghini found an interest to be present. All this took time to evaluate the different scenarios. I must admit that the discussions were long. Starting in 2024 is the right timing for the brand. The Lamborghini Board, as well as the Audi Board, has been fundamental to this. The LMDh is perfect for the company's strategy, especially as we are moving towards a hybrid range in the medium term." 

With this programme, Lamborghini is becoming even more involved in motorsport. Is that your opinion too?

"The challenge is interesting. As I said, it has taken time because it is an important step in the history of Lamborghini. Personally, I'm really proud of this programme. With the arrival of all these manufacturers in Hypercar, the Endurance discipline is like the 1980s."

What will be the programme from 2024? 

"The WEC and IMSA in 2024 with of course the Le Mans 24 Hours of 2024 as a target. We will know more at the end of the year about the car's debut in competition. It's quite complicated to say at this point when and where the car will make its competitive debut."

Is the technical partner for the chassis finalised?

"All the technical details will be announced in July. We are aware of the challenge of using every euro correctly."

Will Lamborghini Squadra Corse rely on a single operating team?

"Again, we will communicate about this later, certainly at the end of the season. The idea is to have one team for IMSA and WEC at the beginning. This programme will complement GT3 and Super Trofeo."

Will it be an official programme?

"It will be a programme supported by Lamborghini, similar to what we do in GT3 by supporting teams. It requires more financial resources than in GT3, so not everyone will be able to go."

One would expect Lamborghini to take over the chassis originally planned for Audi as the project seems to be in standby... 

"Everything is independent of Audi. Lamborghini has the freedom to drive where it is strategically positive for the brand."

When is the first drive planned?

"The tests are planned for the beginning of 2023. So we'll have almost a year before we start racing."

Your customers were already asking you when it would be possible to drive at Le Mans in GT3. With the LMDh, your customer portfolio is expanding...

"Teams have been waiting for a long time to be able to race at Le Mans in GT3. Until now, this has not been possible. From 2024, GT3s will be eligible all over the world. The GT3 category is the foundation of our customer competition programme in addition to the Super Trofeo. It's fundamental for Lamborghini to have a common platform, which is also the case in LMDh. Having a car that can go anywhere is a big advantage."

Lamborghini is coming into a category governed by the BOP. It's something you know in GT3. Isn't that a bit frustrating in a top category ?

"I'm confident about this BOP even though the job is not easy. IMSA, the ACO and the FIA have the skills to do this."

Did Lamborghini's GT3 results make the case for the LMDh? 

"I have been with Lamborghini for 21 years now and it has always been my ambition to put Lamborghini at the top of the competition. What the brand has achieved in recent years has given it a boost. This is also why we continue to invest and develop. Lamborghini needs to be present in the top category."