What are Lamborghini's ambitions? Interview with Rouven Mohr

Unlike others competitors, who had already run private tests in Qatar, Lamborghini Iron Lynx is discovering the Qatari track. Only one SC63 is lined up in the WEC (two at Le Mans) for the Italian brand's debut in the top category. While the first private tests were encouraging, this time we're talking about on-track competition against others Hypercar manufacturers.

The WEC Prologue laid the foundations. Nearly 200 laps were covered by the SC63 of Daniil Kvyat (76 laps), Mirko Bortolotti (63 laps) and Edoardo Mortara (57 laps). As the lap times are hardly significant, we'll have to give them time to get a clearer idea of the potential of this Lamborghini SC63, whose LMDh technical regulations chassis is designed by Ligier Automotive.

During a round-table discussion with some medias representatives, Rouven Mohr, technical director of the program at Lamborghini Squadra Corse, spoke about the debut of the SC63 powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine.  "Like the other teams, we were affected by the delay in the arrival of the sea freight," Mohr laments. "However, everyone was in the same boat, which added more pressure, but now everything is under control."

 Before returning to the season's objectives, Rouven Mohr was keen to explain why the LMDh technical platform was chosen, namely to be able to race in both WEC and IMSA, and to ensure sporting equality between LMH and LMDh.

"Over the entire 2023 season, we saw that one concept dominated," says Mohr. "You have to take into account that this was the first year and I'm convinced there will be more fairness this season. I hope the battles on the track will be beautiful and fair." The LMDh project is part of the Direzione Cor Tauri strategy, which aims to hybridize the range.

Lamborghini Iron Lynx is facing lot of competition in its baptism of competition in the premier class. After more than 10,000 km of testing on both sides of the Atlantic, it's time for the competition. "The first objective is to learn, because Lamborghini is new to the class," explains Mohr. "Of course, the ambition is to be competitive as quickly as possible. If we're in a position to get a good result, we'll gladly take it."

 As with the competition, it's difficult to draw any conclusions from the Prologue about the performance of the Lamborghini SC63, which stalled behind the more seasoned manufacturers in the championship. "Everyone does their best," he explains. "The Prologue is still a practice session, and we all know how complex it is to analyze lap times, as you have to take into account the tires, the amount of fuel in the car, etc... For our part, we went through the planned program."

The Lusail International Circuit is more of a motorcycle track, so how will the Lamborghini SC63 perform on the 5.419 km circuit, which features a 1,068-metre straight and 16 corners (10 right, 6 left)? "What's certain is that we'll need to have a very good balance," Mohr stresses. "We have to understand the set-up of the car on a circuit that is certainly not the most suitable for this type of car, given that a circuit that is as flat as possible is preferable. For us, things are moving in the right direction, even if we're only running one car, which can be a handicap. Lamborghini is going step by step, with one car in IMSA, one in WEC. Having more cars requires more staff."

In the future, will Lamborghini be seduced by a 'track' version of its SC63, rather like Ferrari and its 499P Modificata? For the moment, the Taurus brand is concentrating all its efforts on the Hypercar program. If you're hoping to see a replacement for the SCV12, you'll have to wait and see...