Endurance racing is a challenging sport that requires a combination of speed, strategy, and stamina. The Lamborghini SC63 has proven to be a strong contender in this field. On February 29th, 2024, the WEC No. 63 team, composed of Mirko Bortolotti, Daniil Kvyat, and Edoardo Mortara, completed the Qatar 1812KM race at Lusail International Circuit, finishing in 15th place. This impressive performance set a solid precedent for the car’s debut in the United States.
The 12 Hours of Sebring is a highly regarded IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race. It was scheduled to take place from March 13th to 16th, 2024. During the race, the Lamborghini SC63 demonstrated its reliability and impressive performance, which marked a significant milestone in the company’s racing history.
The Lamborghini SC63 Team’s Performance Overview
The #63 Lamborghini Iron Lynx crew, composed of Matteo Cairoli, Andrea Caldarelli, and Romain Grosjean, embarked on what is regarded as one of the season’s most challenging endurance races. Battling through the demanding former airfield terrain of the Sebring International Raceway, the team secured a commendable seventh position. This result highlighted the SC63’s robustness and laid a solid foundation for future improvements.
Despite the race’s grueling nature, the Lamborghini SC63 encountered only a minor hiccup – a loose door during the final four hours with Grosjean at the wheel. This testament to the vehicle’s reliability underlines Lamborghini’s engineering excellence, especially given the punishing conditions of the Sebring International Raceway.
For the Lamborghini team, finishing the race was the most important goal during their U.S. debut, and they passed their mission with flying colors.
GTD Pro Class: A Surprise Podium Finish
Adding to the celebration, the #19 Iron Lynx team, comprising Mirko Bortolotti, Franck Perera, and Jordan Pepper, clinched an unexpected podium finish in the GTD Pro class. A last-gasp effort propelled them to third place, thanks to a penalty awarded to the #77 Porsche on the final lap, demonstrating the unpredictability and excitement of endurance racing.
Looking Ahead: Future Races for Lamborghini Squadra Corse
With an eye on the future, Lamborghini Squadra Corse is gearing up for one of its most significant races of the season – the FIA World Endurance Championship at Imola. Meanwhile, the SC63 is set to return to IMSA action at Watkins Glen in the summer, with high expectations for continued success.
Lamborghini SC63 Sebring 12 Hours: The Role of the Lamborghini Urus Performante as the Official Safety Car
Further elevating Lamborghini’s presence at the event, the Urus Performante was chosen as the official safety car for the 12 Hours of Sebring. Its involvement during the 12 Full Course Yellow periods was pivotal, ensuring safety while adding to the race spectacle.
Added Bonus: Romain Grosjean gives a close tour of the Lamborghini SC63 Hybrid
During the practice day for the 2024 Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring, Romain Grosjean gave motorsport journalist Marshall Pruett an exclusive look at the new Lamborghini SC63 hybrid race car, which he drove this week alongside Matteo Cairoli and Andrea Caldarelli.
The Lamborghini team has been working closely with the former F1 and current IndyCar drivers to develop a hybrid car that can take the brand to the top of closed-wheel racing in IMSA and the WEC.
The Lamborghini SC63 features an engine designed by Squadra Corse, Lamborghini’s in-house motorsports department. It is the first competition engine by Squadra Corse, powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 connected to an electric motor, which drives the rear axle. Despite Romain Grosjean’s inability to explain the engine components, he handled it with fun and laughed it off.
Lamborghini SC63 debuts at 12 Hours of Sebring: Image Gallery
