Feann Torr•12 Aug 2013
NEWS
Lamborghini race series likely for Oz
Australia is being seriously considered for exotic Italian brand's one-make series in 2014 and beyondLamborghini's increasingly popular one-make race series that made its Korean debut last weekend at the picturesque Inje Speedium could be headed to Australia.
Originally dubbed as the world's fastest one-make series when it launched in Europe in late 2008, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Series has now added Asian and North American competitions.
Australia is being considered as a special addition to the Asian race series, which has just finished up in Korea, and boasts male and female drivers from 11 Asian nations.
Cristiano Inverni, the Co-ordinator of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Asia Series, told motoring.com.au there were several Australian teams and drivers interested in competing. Asked if Australia's inclusion into the 2014 season was therefore a possibility, Inverni was unequivocal: "Yes, definitely".
"We are considering expanding further our series and Australia as well as New Zealand, they are part of my markets," he said.
The Beijing-based race chief says that only four out of six races have been confirmed for 2014: China Shanghai F1 race track, Malaysia Sepang F1 circuit, Korea's mountainous Inje circuit and the Fuji F1 circuit in Japan.
"So there's two more races to go to fill up our calendar and we are considering Australia as one of the options," explained Inverni.
The Lamborghini Super Trofeo race used in the series is based on the Gallardo LP 560-4, but with a reworked chassis, a lot more aero kit and 419kW version of the Italian marque's direct-injection V10.
Lamborghini's purpose-built race cars weigh about 1300kg and are equipped with E-gear automatic transmissions, and fetch around €210,000 ($304,000). Other costs such as a €42,000 ($61,000) entry fee covers logistics for the six races, and things like tyres, lubricants and damage repair also need to be factored in.
Despite the significant outlay, finding interested parties in Australia will not be an issue, says Inverni.
"We have quite a lot of interest in Australia and we are finding that there are teams and customers that would be interested in joining us in race with Lamborghini with the Super Trofeo.
"So that's why we are considering going all the way to Australia to have teams and customers from that market joining us in the series," he says.
The most difficult part of the equation is the tyranny of distance says the Italian race director, pictured here standing alongside car #36. But he admits there are already eight hour flights involved in the current Asian series.
"Logistically it will not be easy to handle because of the distance. We have to travel with all the equipment and the cars so I am personally thinking whether to include Australia as the first or maybe last race, because that will make things easier in terms of logistics."
As for the choice of track, Inverni says Lamborghini has not decided yet "because it will depend on what's on in the calendar on those race tracks".
He also said he would not partner with the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix as Porsche already has a support race. "We are leaders, not followers," said Inverni.
The most obvious options would be Phillip Island or Sydney Motorsport Park, but Inverni says a decision will be made late this year or early next year when the FIA releases its scheduling.
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Written byFeann Torr
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