10 April 2013, Sant ‘Agata Bolognese. With 10 teams, 20 cars on the grid, 22 drivers, seven nationalities and six races leading to a World Final to draw together Lamborghini’s racing series in Europe, Asia and the US, the European season gets underway in Monza this week, the fifth running of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo.
In Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary year, Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo and the marque’s commitment to motorsport takes on central significance as the company builds a deeper investment in a ladder of motorsport activity under its new Lamborghini Squadra Corse operation.
From 2013, the Squadra Corse will provide an integrated approach to Lamborghini driving experiences including new series of ‘Esperienza’ events to provide enthusiasts and prospects with opportunity for a first test-drive and to experience the world of Lamborghini. The Lamborghini Academies, on both track and ice, provide driver training and the initial steps towards racing. The Super Trofeo series provides the perfect first race experience for young and gentleman drivers, with the Lamborghini GT3 for more experienced racers wanting to compete with the Lamborghini marque worldwide.
The Monza Curtain Raiser
Monza’s high-speed and historic race track, home of the Italian Grand Prix, is a fitting location to commence competitive activity for the 2013 season. 2012 season champion, Cédric Leimer returns to the series along with key protagonists, Adrian Zaugg and Andrea Amici in the PRO-AM category and Roberto Tanca and Andrea Mamé in the Amateur category. Automobili Lamborghini will field a VIP car for invitation celebrities, partnered by factory driver, Mario Fasanetto and in Monza, small screen star Jimmy Ghione, known and adored across Italy, will be the first celebrity to occupy the #1 car. Monza will also be notable for the first Super Trofeo start for 16 year old sensation, Alessandra Brena, who will be piloting the number 36 Autocarrozzeria Imperale car alongside Oscar Ortfeldt.
A Chief Executive’s Commitment
Automobili Lamborghini’s President and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, reaffirmed Lamborghini’s commitment to motorsport ahead of the start of the 2013 racing season. “We’re delighted to confirm our 2013 race calendars across three continents, with the extension of our race series into the North American market. This reflects both the recognition and success of our race series worldwide. We look forward to welcoming the winners from each continental series to join us for our inaugural World Final later this year. In the meantime, I look forward to a fiercely competitive season in Europe and hugely entertaining racing once again,” he said.
Marc A. Hayek, Blancpain’s President & CEO, said, “Following the success of the European and Asian Series, Blancpain has decided to again join Lamborghini in their US venture. Blancpain is looking forward to being part of this new championship and proud to extend its partnership with Lamborghini.”
A New Race Car
The 2013 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series will be founded around an all-new Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo. The new car takes a significant step forward following extensive aerodynamic re-profiling of the surface geometries and the addition of adjustable aerodynamic devices, including an all-new tenposition rear wing.
The net benefit of this significant aerodynamic upgrade is 120% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency over the Gallardo’s 2012 model. With re-modelling of brake ducts, the new Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo achieves a 50% improvement in thermal performance with improved front brake cooling, while better balance and dynamic performance is achieved by increasing downforce by 128kg in low downforce set up and 160kg in high downforce trim.
New Teams & Drivers
Three new teams will take to the Monza grid as challengers for the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo teams title, including Aviatrax by Saintéloc, Composit Motorsport & Automobili Lamborghini Racing Team Germany, who will join established teams from Bonaldi Motorsport, Autovitesse Garage R. Affolter, Autocarrozzeria Imperiale, Gravity Charouz and Automobili Lamborghini Racing Team UK.
The Racing Format
The Super Trofeo weekend race format will once again be based on the proven formula of two free practice sessions of 60 minutes running on Saturdays, followed by a 40 minute qualifying session. Sunday’s timetable will be made up of two 50 minute races offering points for the top ten finishers in one of two categories, AMATEUR and PRO-AM. Once again, races will feature a rolling start and include a mandatory pitstop for driver changeovers.
Race Calendar for 2013
In Europe, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo will again partner the Blancpain Endurance Series. A night race will be held for the first time in Misano, over a three-day race weekend alongside the Italian GT championship hosted by ACI/CSAI.
Monza (ITA) 13/14 April
Misano (ITA) 05/06 May
Silverstone (GBR) 01/02 June
Paul Ricard (FRA) 29 June/01 July
Spa (BEL) 25/28 July
Nurburgring (DEU) 21/22 September
The venue, date and format for a Super Trofeo World Final, bringing together the best of racing from Europe, Asia and the US, will be announced in due course.