Bortolotti Leaves Lamborghini, Joins Audi

Photo: Jamey Price/Lamborghini

Mirko Bortolotti has moved from Lamborghini to Audi and will compete as one of Audi’s factory drivers alongside fellow new signing Patric Niederhauser next year, the German manufacturer announced on Monday.

The 29-year-old Italian was one of Lamborghini’s lead works drivers in recent years, competing in a number of series primarily for Grasser Racing Team.

In Blancpain GT Series competition, he won the overall, Endurance and Sprint titles in 2017, and formed part of Grasser’s lineup for its wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2018 and 2019 and Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in 2019.

He had been part of Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s lineup since its inception in 2015 and his time with the Italian manufacturer included 151 race starts, 25 wins and 47 podiums.

ADAC GT Masters champion Niederhauser has also been signed as an Audi Sport factory driver after winning the German GT3 championship alongside Kelvin van der Linde this year.

“A warm welcome to both drivers. They’re a perfect complement to our team,” commented Chris Reinke, head of Audi Sport customer racing.

“Mirko has been a professional race driver for many years and for Patric this promotion is a nice reward for the title success in Germany.

“There’s no doubt in our minds that Mirko and Patric are a great fit for us in terms of personality and racing.”

No details have been given on what series Bortolotti and Niederhauser will compete in, but they’re expected to focus on Audi’s European GT3 efforts in GT World Challenge Europe and GT Masters.

They join existing Audi factory drivers Christopher Haase, Christopher Mies, Frank Stippler, Pierre Kaffer, Dries Vanthoor, Frederic Vervisch, Markus Winkelhock, Kelvin van der Linde, Mattia Drudi and Rahel Frey.

In addition to supporting customers in a number of championships worldwide, Audi has also reconfirmed its commitment to once again contest ‘strategic events’ including the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli, Nürburgring 24 and FIA GT World Cup.

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.