Lamborghini customer GT3 effort set for Aus

Trofeo Motorsport is closing on a deal to run a manufacturer supported Lamborghini customer GT program which will see three Huracan GT3s compete in Australia this year.

The Melbourne operation held talks with Lamborghini bosses in Italy last week regarding an arrangement which could be completed early next month.

Trofeo Motorsport’s proposed alignment with Lamborghini would see the outfit become the marque’s official distributor in Australia, alongside a campaign in the Australian GT Championship.

The deal will be similar to Audi’s customer GT3 program in Australia, which is run by Melbourne Performance Centre.

The squad revealed intentions earlier this year to import two V10 powered Huracan GT3s before customer GT program talks escalated, prompting the arrival of a third car earmarked for customer use.

Trofeo Motorsport, who are also the official Pirelli distributors in Australia, are hopeful the first of three Huracans will arrive in time for the Australian Endurance Championship opener at Phillip Island on May 29.

The outfit’s boss Jim Manolios has just returned to Australia following meetings with Lamborghini in Italy and is eagerly awaiting the finalisation of the deal.

“I think we have pencilled a good arrangement (with Lamborghini) but it is subject to delivery and subject to a few other business things coming together,” Manolios told Speedcafe.com.

“Being the Pirelli distributors, Pirelli and Lamborghini have a strong association so it was a good brand for us to get involved with from that point of view.

“We are trying very hard to get the first car here in time for the Phillip Island GT races.

“The second Huracan is due in September and the third one in October. We are bringing in three cars, one will be for sale, one will be a rental and one is for me.

“We have been looking at the detail that has been put into those cars. They really are a step up.

“They are the slipperiest car on the grid by a good length. I like the fact that they are a V10 rather than a turbo.”

The squad is also eyeing a Bathurst 12 Hour campaign next year with the manufacturer offering new works driver Marco Mapelli to Trofeo Motorsport.

“Bathurst we want to have at least two cars there. GT racing is fantastic but it is just a warm up for Bathurst,” added Manolios.

A shakedown of Trofeo Motorsport’s first Huracan GT3 is due to take place in Italy next month.