Thursday, May 29, 2014

Automobili Lamborghini appoints Fabio Babini and Adrian Zaugg as Squadra Corse test drivers, and announces the selected drivers to Young Drivers Program


Sant'Agata Bolognese, 29 May 2014.


Lamborghini Squadra Corse has announced Fabio Babini and Adrian Zaugg as test drivers to develop the new Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Super Trofeo race car, to be adopted in the three Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series (Europe, Asia, North America).Giorgio Sanna, chief test driver of Automobili Lamborghini’s R&D department and head of Squadra Corse, says this is an important part of developing the new race car: “The duo of Babini and Zaugg brings an important blend of experience and racing talent. Both have solid experience of the Super Trofeo series, racing, and understand our brand. They will be focused on not only important aspects such as the Huracán Super Trofeo’s ultimate performance, but also the right feel and set-up of the cars to suit our series. Moreover they both have experience in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo.” 

Babini, twice European Champion of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo (2009 and 2011) and with consistent experience of GT racing from FIA GT up to American Le Mans Series and the 24hrs of Le Mans, is also an official Pirelli tester.

“I’m very proud and enthusiastic about this new challenge. The Lamborghini marque means an awful lot to me: I’m very passionate about it and it’s given me some incredible personal racing opportunities. This is a chance to truly be part of the family! I’m extremely motivated, the development of the new car will be exciting. As a Pirelli tester I’ve already contributed to development of race versions of Lamborghini cars, and this is a great opportunity at the next level.”

Adrian Zaugg, the 27 year-old Swiss-South African driver born in Singapore, already has a successful career in single seater racing under his belt (mainly A1 Grand Prix and GP2).

“To take on the role of an official Lamborghini Squadra Corse test driver role is a major personal achievement,” said Zaugg. “Some of my greatest race rewards came from dueling for top position in the 2012 series of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo: this is like being on the podium again! This is a new challenge for me but also a good opportunity to further improve my racing skills.”

The Piero Taruffi of Vallelunga is the track chosen by Lamborghini Squadra Corse for its racing car development program. This circuit represents the ideal mix between a technical section that is good for maneuverability, and a fast part on which to tune aerodynamics.

In addition to Babini and Zaugg, Lamborghini’s Young Drivers Program gives the opportunity to Super Trofeo drivers aged under 26 to participate in the development phase of the new race car.

Those selected so far are: Andrea Amici (ITA), Giacomo Barri (ITA), Alberto Cerqui (ITA), Alberto Di Folco (ITA), Jeroem Mul (NDL), Andrew Palmer (USA), Edoardo Piscopo (ITA), Charlz Ro (SNG), Gerhard Tweraser (A), Giovanni Venturini (ITA) and Alberto Viberti (ITA).
Mirko Bortolotti as well will join the back for his proved expertise.

Fra i primi nomi selezionati ci sono quelli di Andrea Amici (ITA), Giacomo Barri (ITA), Alberto Cerqui (ITA), Alberto Di Folco (ITA), Jeroem Mul (NDL), Andrew Palmer (USA), Edoardo Piscopo (ITA), Charlz Ro (SNG), Gerhard Tweraser (A), Giovanni Venturini (ITA) e Alberto Viberti (ITA).
A questi si aggiunge Mirko Bortolotti (ITA) con la sua comprovata esperienza.

“This gives both Squadra Corse the opportunity to gain important feedback from a range of competitors in the Super Trofeo series, and also gives these young drivers the chance to participate in a car’s development: an important aspect of professional motor racing,” said Giorgio Sanna. “We look forward to working with a dynamic and inspired test-driver team as we develop our new Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo.”

Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo – Europe


2014 Calendar 2014

12-13 AprilMonza (IT)

23-25 May Silverstone (UK)

28-29 June Paul Ricard (FR)

23-27 July Spa Francorchamps (B)

19-21 September Nürburgring (DE)

20-21 November Sepang (MAL) [World Final]

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