Andrea Caldarelli : "An incredible feeling!"

After a successful career in Japan in Super GT with Toyota, Andrea Caldarelli has returned to Europe as the official Lamborghini Squadra Corse driver. It was the Italian driver who was the fastest in the Superpole to secure the best place on the grid for the 24 Hours of Spa. 

The 32 year old from Pescara is leaving Europe this season to race in the Fanatec GT World America with K-PAX Racing, the team with which he is competing in the 24 Hours of Spa together with Marco Mapelli and Jordan Pepper. 

Did you expect this result? 

"Conditions were very different than during qualifying, which was run when it was almost dark. It was like a completely different track, so I took it easy during the first lap to fully understand the grip levels. Then I attacked on my second lap; I knew there was still something out there. Having a lap without any traffic feels amazing! I am really happy to take the first pole for Lamborghini. We have always been very close. It’s still a 24-hour race, but it’s good to start from P1. I think this pole position really goes to all the guys in America and in Sant’Agata. It was a team effort from both sides and it definitely goes to them."

Were you keen to get back to Spa in addition to your American programme?

"Yes, even though it's not easy to arrive like this in the season race at the most important GT race in the world. During the tests we worked a lot on the long stints. We have less driving time than the competition who are competing in the whole championship but we are there. The K-PAX Racing/Squadra Corse mix works perfectly well." 

Do you enjoy driving in the US? 

"I like the American approach which is still different from Europe. The fans, the tracks, it's not related to what we know in Europe. However, I miss the endurance races in Europe."

You will then prepare the Hypercar programme. Could we see you in LMP2 next season?

"I hope to get that chance to have a better approach to 2024. I've already driven in Toyota's LMP1 in the WEC debut. My career in Japan helps to drive prototypes with aero. The GT500s are faster than the LMP2s." 

You've been circling Le Mans for years. The dream is finally coming true...

"That's exactly it! A dream that will come true. I drove at Le Mans in 2020 at the Road to Le Mans in GT3 and I really enjoyed it. Le Mans has always been a goal for me and I'd love to be there in 2023 to get a feel for the event. When I came back from Japan to sign with Lamborghini, I was always honest with Giorgio (Sanna, boss of Lamborghini Squadra Corse). I always said I wanted to go as high as possible with the brand." 

Will we see you in GT3 next season? 

"I hope so with the Evo 2! On the other hand, it will be complicated to take part in an American programme because the development of the Hypercar prototype will take quite some time."

What about a return to FFF in GT3 next season? 

"FFF has been a part of my life for about 10 years now. The team remains successfully involved in Lamborghini Super Trofeo and we value this relationship with Lamborghini. At the moment there are no plans to be involved in GT3 although we will have to see what the different calendars are."

With the arrival of GT3s, could Le Mans be on the FFF menu? 

"Le Mans was an objective when the team was created. We'll have to see what the rules are going to be to get there."