Tuesday 23rd February 2016

Stefano Domenicali announced as Lamborghini CEO

Winkelmann's off to Audi; ex-Ferrari man Stefano Domenicali will now head up Lamborghini

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It's got the plot from an Italian crime drama, hasn't it? Alright, that might be a bit far, but having the former F1 Team Principal of Ferrari take the biggest job at Lamborghini has some sense of the scripted.

Wait until Lamborghini suit him up

But the rumours were certainly true; after a decade at the top of Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann is stepping down. He's not disappearing entirely though, Audi taking him on as CEO of Quattro GmbH. Make your own guesses now as to his direction for fast Audis...

The Domenicali appointment is certainly an intriguing move but not as huge as you might have thought; he's actually been with Audi since November 2014 as Vice President of New Business Initiatives. This followed a long and distinguished career with Ferrari that stretches back to the early 90s. As well as his Team Principal role, Domenicali was also sporting director of the F1 team and represented Ferrari in the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

He's heavily invested in motorsport basically, which it could be argued Winkelmann wasn't as much. Yes, there was single-make racing with the Gallardo, but the Huracan GT3 was only introduced last year. Winkelmann's bio will also of course include finalising the Urus project and "the establishment of the fashion line Collezione Automobili Lamborghini." Winkelmann commented on his departure by saying "I have been responsible for Lamborghini for a significant period of time in its history... I would like to thank everyone for this time from the bottom of my heart."

Will he look this good in an RS3?

Production doubled and turnover tripled under Winkelmann, so it's a big job for Domenicali to take on. The latter said of his new position: "I am very excited to be taking on the challenges of this great legacy."

Of course we don't know what the Domenicali era will usher in for Lamborghini just yet, but the appointment sounds like good news to us. He officially begins on March 16. More news as it's available!

 

[Lead image: LATphoto]

[SpudLink]

Does this indicate VAG will push the Lamborghini brand in one of the racing series currently occupied by Audi? I'm not bold enough to suggest a move to F1.

[menguin]

I don't think they'd join F1 but there is certainly room for them in motorsport. WRC anyone?

[Hamma]

"He's not disappearing entirely though, Audi taking him on as CEO of Quattro GmbH. Make your own guesses now as to his direction for fast Audis..."

What, is it even possible to add more understeer and synthetic feellesness to Audis?

I don't think it's possible to copy the Pininfarina New Stratos at Audi like Lamborghini did for the Huracan either, since I don't know how they can fit an engine at the very leading edge of the bumper in a wedge-shaped car like that...

[dlockhart]

menguin said:

I don't think they'd join F1 but there is certainly room for them in motorsport. WRC anyone?

I can hardly imagine a lambo going around a forest at full chat. they are definitely track cars

[VeegasRS6]

dlockhart said:

menguin said:

I don't think they'd join F1 but there is certainly room for them in motorsport. WRC anyone?

I can hardly imagine a lambo going around a forest at full chat. they are definitely track cars

Just going to leave this here!

https://youtu.be/GuIe3TZzFZk

[big_rob_sydney]

VeegasRS6 said:

dlockhart said:

menguin said:

I don't think they'd join F1 but there is certainly room for them in motorsport. WRC anyone?

I can hardly imagine a lambo going around a forest at full chat. they are definitely track cars

Just going to leave this here!

https://youtu.be/GuIe3TZzFZk

Remind me NEVER to buy a supercar rental company...

[Varn]

Good ol' Steve Sunday.

[BVB]

Good news indeed. Domenicali will definitely up their racing presence.

[Europa1]

I'm pleased for the guy. He came across as a decent bloke whenever he was interviewed as Ferrari's F1 Team Principal, which is rare - the job spec for F1 team principals seems to have "must be a bit of a stroker" as a prerequisite.