Caldarelli, Mapelli, Engelhart Added to Lamborghini Factory Driver Lineup

Photos: Lamborghini

Lamborghini has strengthened its factory driver lineup for this year, announcing Monday that it’s added Andrea Caldarelli, Marco Mapelli and Christian Engelhart as works drivers.

The trio join Mirko Bortolotti and Giovanni Venturini, who have been Lamborghini Squadra Corse factory drivers since 2015, in the first year of the Huracan GT3 program.

While stepping up into factory roles, all three newcomers are no stranger to the Italian manufacturer, having participated in multiple GT championships with the Huracan GT3 last year.

Caldarelli, who finished runner up in last year’s Super GT500 championship, took part in several championships, including with his FFF by ACM team, which campaigns Huracans GT3s and Super Trofeos in Europe and Asia.

Engelhart, meanwhile, took part in ADAC GT Masters alongside Bortolotti, with Mapelli having extensive experience in testing, most notably claiming lap records at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with both the Lamborghini Aventador SV and Huracán Performante.

All five factory drivers will represent Lamborghini in various championships around the world, with most final designations still yet to be announced. 

“We’re glad to welcome to our team two new renowned drivers, like Christian and Andrea, who obtained excellent results racing with our customer teams behind the wheel of the Huracán GT3 in 2016,” said Head of Lamborghini Motorsport Giorgio Sanna.

“Talking about Marco Mapelli, his recent record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife with the new Huracán Performante consolidates his great reputation both as a test and racing driver.

“We have high expectations of them, as well as of Mirko and Giovanni, who have been part of the family since the creation of Lamborghini Squadra Corse.”

Sanna said Lamborghini GT3 Juniors Jeroen Mul, Andrea Amici and Fabrizio Crestani will receive “greater support and attention” from the manufacturer this year as well.

The full list of Lamborghini GT3 Junior drivers and new members of the Young Driver Program will be announced shortly.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John