Discussion
In 1987 Lamborghini was bought by the Chrysler who decided that they should enter Formula 1. They supplied engines to a number of teams including Larrousse, Lotus & Ligier as well as supplying both an engine and chassis to Modena.
In 1992 Ligier switched to Renault engines, Modena closed down and new management took over Chrysler. With Lamborghini reducing its production, it couldn't longer afford to fund F1. They decided that the engines would be re-badged Chrysler and that they would mount a bigger attack in 1994. In 1993 they had talks with McLaren who built a test car for them. Both Senna and Hakkinen tested a McLaren-Lamborghini test car but at the last minute, McLaren decided to enter go with Peugeot which left Chrysler with no choice but to pull out of F1 as Larrousse had run out of money and could no longer afford the engines.
In 1993 Chrysler sold Lamborghini and the F1 program was cancelled. Their new owners, Megatech were an investment company who later sold it on to VAG in 1998, and VAG have never had an interest in F1.
However they do have interests in many other forms of motorsport and I personally think that it is only a matter of time before they enter F1 with one of their brands, Lamborghini being one of the most obvious.
In 1992 Ligier switched to Renault engines, Modena closed down and new management took over Chrysler. With Lamborghini reducing its production, it couldn't longer afford to fund F1. They decided that the engines would be re-badged Chrysler and that they would mount a bigger attack in 1994. In 1993 they had talks with McLaren who built a test car for them. Both Senna and Hakkinen tested a McLaren-Lamborghini test car but at the last minute, McLaren decided to enter go with Peugeot which left Chrysler with no choice but to pull out of F1 as Larrousse had run out of money and could no longer afford the engines.
In 1993 Chrysler sold Lamborghini and the F1 program was cancelled. Their new owners, Megatech were an investment company who later sold it on to VAG in 1998, and VAG have never had an interest in F1.
However they do have interests in many other forms of motorsport and I personally think that it is only a matter of time before they enter F1 with one of their brands, Lamborghini being one of the most obvious.
Edited by 1 on Sunday 6th January 10:49
groomi said:
Apart from the short foray into F1 engine supply, Lamborghini have never been involved with any form of motorsport (excepting privateers ofcourse).
1996 The Diablo SV (Sport Veloce) is launched, a simplified and more sporty version of the Diablo inspired by the Miura SV. The Diablo SVR is also presented, to compete in the Lamborghini monomarque championship. The championship takes off with 26 Diablo SVRs lined up at European circuits lanan said:
groomi said:
Apart from the short foray into F1 engine supply, Lamborghini have never been involved with any form of motorsport (excepting privateers ofcourse).
1996 The Diablo SV (Sport Veloce) is launched, a simplified and more sporty version of the Diablo inspired by the Miura SV. The Diablo SVR is also presented, to compete in the Lamborghini monomarque championship. The championship takes off with 26 Diablo SVRs lined up at European circuits Lamborghini for some reason have always shyed away from direct motorsport competition with their competitors.
groomi said:
Lamborghini for some reason have always shyed away from direct motorsport competition with their competitors.
There are plenty of Lambos in the FIA GT championships. Technically they're largely privateer teams but I'd be surprised if there isn't some sort of 'works' technical assistance in the background like there is from Porsche and Ferrari.Nick M said:
groomi said:
Lamborghini for some reason have always shyed away from direct motorsport competition with their competitors.
There are plenty of Lambos in the FIA GT championships. Technically they're largely privateer teams but I'd be surprised if there isn't some sort of 'works' technical assistance in the background like there is from Porsche and Ferrari.to build a GT3 car you have to have factory support, if only to do the paperwork for you.
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