Bortolotti, Caldarelli Named First Lamborghini LMDh Drivers

Photo: Lamborghini

Mirko Bortolotti and Andrea Caldarelli have been confirmed as the first two drivers in Lamborghini’s LMDh lineup that will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship beginning in 2024.

The two Italian drivers are longtime Lamborghini Squadra Corse factory pilots, having played pivotal roles in the success of the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 in championships worldwide.

Both Bortolotti and Caldarelli will also serve as test drivers of the Ligier-chassied prototype, which is expected to begin track testing early next year.

“We are especially proud to announce Mirko and Andrea as the first drivers for the LMDh program,” said Lamborghini motorsport boss Giorgio Sanna.

“Both have contributed substantially to achieving historic results for Lamborghini in GT racing and their addition to the LMDh project also rewards their continued commitment to the Squadra Corse family.

“I’m sure that their talent and experience will be an added asset to our competitiveness in the premier endurance class.”

Bortolotti scored his first wins with the Italian manufacturer in 2014 in the Italian GT Championship before playing a role in the development of the Huracan GT3, which launched the following year.

The 32-year-old went on to win the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe title in 2017 alongside Caldarelli, the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2018 and 2019 as well as the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in 2019, and currently competes in DTM with Grasser Racing Team.

“I’m delighted to continue my journey with Lamborghini and to start an exciting new chapter in LMDh,” said Bortolotti.

“I’m grateful to Lamborghini Squadra Corse for all the efforts put in place to make it happen and for the unconditional trust they have put in me since 2014.

“It is a huge honor and responsibility to represent the brand at the highest stage of endurance racing and to compete for overall victories in the main endurance classics.”

While Bortolotti made his LMP2 debut in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans with Team WRT, Caldarelli has yet to gain any modern-day prototype racing experience.

In addition to his 2017 GTWC Europe title, Caldarelli won the so-called ‘triple crown’ in the series in 2019 with FFF Racing Team, while also serving as team principal.

Caldarelli also has a Rolex 24 win to his credit, coming in 2020, before joining K-PAX Racing in GTWC America competition, where he is currently seeking his second consecutive title in the Pro class.

“I’m really happy to be part of the program, which is truly fantastic, and in general about this new challenge from Lamborghini Squadra Corse,” said Caldarelli.

“Back in 2017, when I started racing for Lamborghini, I had the goal of fulfilling my childhood dream: to race with my favorite brand of car in the most prestigious endurance races.

“I had the opportunity to race at the Circuit de la Sarthe in 2022, winning both heats of the Road to Le Mans with the Huracan GT3, and it was really special.

“I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of an LMDh: I’m really excited about this new adventure, and I’ll do my best to bring all my experience to this project and to win new and prestigious trophies.”

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