Lamborghini Squadra Corse has officially announced the return of Christian Engelhart to its Factory Drivers for the 2024 season.
After a five-year hiatus, the experienced German driver is set to join the ranks alongside the recently revealed Loris Spinelli, expanding the prestigious GT3 Factory Driver list.
This move, eagerly anticipated by motorsport enthusiasts, marks a significant development in Lamborghini’s strategic driver lineup for the upcoming season.
Success Beyond the Factory Driver Programme
Christian Engelhart, an accomplished German driver with a one-make career in Porsches, first joined the Lamborghini Squadra Corse team at the outset of the 2017 season.
His initial season proved immensely successful, securing four race victories across the GTWC Endurance Cup and Sprint Cup campaigns with GRT. Notably, he clinched victory in the former and achieved a commendable fourth place in the latter by season-end.
Despite departing from the Factory Driver programme in 2018, Engelhart continued his association with GRT in the subsequent season. Paired with the current LMDh factory driver Bortolotti, he notched up several race wins and secured a runner-up position in the ADAC GT Masters championship.
The pinnacle of Engelhart’s achievements came in the COVID-affected 2020 season, where he clinched the GT Masters title with a different brand. His remarkable record includes participating in 110 races and achieving victory in 14, including the prestigious 24 Hours at Daytona in 2019.
One-off DTM Weekend and Remarkable Performance
Before his formal return to Lamborghini, Engelhart participated in a one-off DTM weekend with GRT in 2023. His impressive performance at Hockenheim, finishing third and emerging as the highest-placed Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 in race one, showcased his enduring skill and adaptability.
Expressing his sentiments on rejoining Lamborghini Squadra Corse, Engelhart stated, “To join Lamborghini feels like coming home and is a very emotional moment in my career. I have never stopped loving this iconic brand and consider myself honoured to represent and privileged to drive for Lamborghini Squadra Corse.” He affirmed his commitment to building on their shared history of success and contributing to the highest-level GT championships.
Exciting Prospects and Future Collaborations
Looking towards the future, Engelhart conveyed his readiness to embrace the next step of their journey together. Giorgio Sanna, Head of Motorsport, echoed the sentiment, expressing happiness at welcoming Christian back into the Lamborghini family.
Sanna highlighted the expectation that Engelhart’s return would bring additional experience and performance to the GT3 customer teams, fostering collaboration with Squadra Corse in the development of future race cars.
Conclusion
Christian Engelhart’s return to Lamborghini Squadra Corse is not just a reunion; it’s a strategic move to enhance the team’s capabilities and performance in the upcoming GT championships. As the 2024 season unfolds, enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing the synergy between Engelhart’s seasoned skills and Lamborghini’s commitment to excellence on the racetrack.
The reunion of driver and brand promises exciting prospects and a continuation of the success story they’ve already begun to script together.
