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Intercontinental GT Challenge

Lamborghini Commits to IGTC for 2020

Lamborghini confirms participation in Intercontinental GT Challenge for 2020…

Photo: SRO

Lamborghini has committed to the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli as a manufacturer for 2020, with at least one full-season Pro class entry, according to its head of motorsport Giorgio Sanna.

The Italian manufacturer, which had been eyeing up an entry in SRO Motorsports Group’s globe-trotting GT3 series, will be represented by FFF Racing Team, while Sanna said additional teams are under discussions, both on a full-season and race-by-race basis. 

“We will compete in IGTC next year with at least one Pro car,” Sanna told Sportscar365.

“We are a global customer racing department and of course also a global brand. We always look step by step to expand our programs and our vision, from the business and marketing sides to the sporting side.

“Until today, there was not the right chance to move into Intercontinental Challenge with the right team, components and drivers.

“Today, with FFF, we are working to be ready in this kind of field. There are also other important teams that are looking with interest.

“Now is the right moment.”

Sanna said the 2020 calendar, which was released last weekend that sees Indianapolis Motor Speedway replace WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as the North American round, was one of the determining factors in its commitment. 

“I saw the schedule [last weekend] that is very interesting with the introduction of Indianapolis,” he said. “It’s an iconic track and I have to say that we’ve never been to.

“Next season the schedule is very, very nice. We love Bathurst, where we’ve never been to with a Pro [class] GT3. We love Indianapolis and Suzuka and a very good move in South Africa.”

FFF Team principal Andrea Caldarelli, meanwhile, has also confirmed plans for the full-season effort.

“Yes, definitely,” he said when asked about a 2020 IGTC entry. “It was always our target. It’s more realistic and it’s something that, as a team, we really would like to do starting in 2020. I think also as manufacturers, Lamborghini must have a representative.”

While FFF will fly the flag for the Italian manufacturer in all five rounds, Sanna indicated that local teams will also be part of the effort, including JLOC.

The Japanese squad, considered Lamborghini’s ‘reference’ team in Asia, will feature an all-factory driver lineup for next month’s Suzuka 10 Hours. 

However, Sanna admitted having support from local teams in all regions will not be possible.

“Not all local teams are interested in this kind of commitment,” he said. “Even if it’s just one race, it’s in the middle of the season of the programs that the teams are doing.

“For example, America is not easy because American teams start to race in January and a big part of the budget is spent between Daytona and Sebring.

“So for us to fulfill this kind of commitment is not so easy.

“But of course when we have a chance to involve a team, we are more than happy to do it, like for example what’s happening for JLOC.”

Lamborghini would become the 9th manufacturer to commit to IGTC, should all of the existing brands continue in the series next year.

Jake Kilshaw contributed to this report

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

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