Rutronik Reveals Lamborghini Factory Driver Signings

Photo: Rutronik Racing

Rutronik Racing has revealed a GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup lineup entirely comprised of Lamborghini factory drivers as it switches to running a Temerario GT3 this year, with Luca Engstler and Marco Mapelli joining the already-announced Patric Niederhauser.

The team has regularly fielded a Porsche 911 GT3 R in the category since 2021, and won last year’s Endurance Cup with Niederhauser, Sven Muller and Alessio Piciarello, but has opted to switch to Lamborghini for the Temerario GT3’s first season of competition.

Niederhauser remains with the outfit from its Porsche days and will be joined by Engstler, who won the Crowdstrike 24 Hours of Spa last season with Grasser Racing Team, for a Sprint Cup campaign.

Engstler was previously part of the Rutronik squad in ADAC GT Masters in 2022, and scored his first-ever GT3 podium with the team.

“We have a new car and a lot to learn, but I think we have the right people in the team and we will quickly get to grips with the car,” he said. “This year, we will have to take everything step by step.

“After winning the 24h Spa ahead of Rutronik Racing last year and the team winning the Endurance Cup championship, it shows how strong the team is and how good the combination will be, and I can’t wait for the season to finally start!”

Engstler and Niederhauser will then be partnered by Lamborghini stalwart Mapelli for the Endurance Cup, the Italian having driven for Vincenzo Sospiri Racing last year and previously won the 2019 Endurance and Sprint Cup titles.

“Joining the reigning championship team gives me goosebumps every time, and we have set ourselves high goals,” said Mapelli.

“Rutronik Racing is a very professional team, and we are working hard to ensure that we will achieve top results with the Lamborghini. We have a long-term partnership and I am very happy to be joining them.”

Team boss Klaus Graf added: “After winning the title last year in the Endurance Cup, we certainly have high expectations of doing well right from the start with the new Lamborghini Temerario GT3.

“We are very happy with the driver trio. Above all, we are very happy that Lamborghini has signed Patric Niederhauser and made him available to us, which gives us continuity and certainly brings many positive aspects to a new project and a brand change.

“We have also known Luca for many years, and are therefore delighted to welcome him back.

“As a long-standing Lamborghini works driver and experienced test and development driver, Marco will be a great help to us in the endurance races.”

The confirmation of the Rutronik lineup means that all three of the teams fielding the Temerario GT3 in GTWC Europe have now revealed their drivers, following the recent announcements from GRT and VSR.

Source: Sports Car 365