FFF Poised for Factory-Backed Blancpain GT, IGTC Programs

FFF Racing Team could move to Europe next year with entries supported by Lamborghini Squadra Corse in the Blancpain GT Series and Intercontinental GT Challenge.

The team, which currently competes in the Blancpain GT Series Asia, is “really considering” a full-scale European program, according to team principal and Lamborghini factory driver Andrea Caldarelli.

“Europe is a road that we are really considering for next year,” he told Sportscar365. “We are considering [Blancpain GT] Sprint and Endurance, and Intercontinental [GT Challenge].

“We are discussing with Squadra Corse the strategy of the team. We want to create something together with the factory.”

The Italian said that the entries would feature Pro lineups, saying “we must put factory drivers in the car”.

He explained that the team would set up an operational base in Italy, near to Lamborghini, instead of using its current workshop in Beijing.

FFF’s effort is believed to be in addition to longtime Lamborghini works-supported squad Grasser Racing Team.

While not confirming any specific moves, Head of Lamborghini Motorsport Giorgio Sanna has expressed his desire to have additional “reference teams” with its new-for-2019 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo.

Speaking to Sportscar365 in August, Sanna indicated that factory support could be spread among multiple teams in Blancpain GT next year.

“Because Squadra Corse is growing up, we are competing worldwide, so the target is to have more reference teams,” said Sanna.

“For this reason, probably yes, the factory drivers will be spread in different teams looking for the target of each team, of course.”

Grasser’s Plans Coming into Place

GRT team principal Gottfried Grasser said he’s still planning a sizeable European program next year, although Sportscar365 understands the team could be in the midst of financial problems and a strained relationship with Lamborghini.

Grasser revealed to Sportscar365 that his team is set to downsize from three cars in Blancpain GT to two in the Endurance Cup and one or two in the newly renamed Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe, as well as a trio of entries in ADAC GT Masters.

He agrees with Caldarelli in that Lamborghini could support two teams in Blancpain GT and says he hopes FFF can reach the same heights as his own team has managed.

“I’m happy that Andrea is doing these steps,” he said. “I’m happy for the brand.

“I hope they (Lamborghini) are able to support a second team, and to achieve similar results would be nice.”

John Dagys contributed to this report