24 Hours of Le Mans 2024 – Perspectives by manufacturers: Lamborghini
The first free practice sessions of the 92nd edition will start this Wednesday: an opportunity to assess, before the serious things begin, what the about fourteen manufacturers entered in Hypercar and LMGT3 can hope for. The arrival of Lamborghini in the top class, in addition to LMGT3, delighted the public. But there will be work to do.
Since the arrival of the Hypercar in WEC, manufacturers have flocked at full speed to offer the public an absolutely sumptuous grid. And to add visual pleasure, aesthetics have been well taken into account and this was seen on the SC63, which started both globally and in the United States.
The car is far from being a failure: it simply has a lot of catching up to do compared to a competition that is already well-prepared. And progress will be hard to notice with only one car competing for the season, in Hypercar (car N°63).
In Le Mans, the N°19 (the one invited by IMSA) will be a strong presence for several reasons: it includes Romain Grosjean, former F1 driver, who will compete in his 2nd 24 Hours of Le Mans; it will be useful for data collection, essential for future development. Especially since the obligation to enter two cars is gaining ground.
It is difficult to envision any spectacular feat in a regular way for the Italian firm. The public would obviously be eager for a legendary duel between Ferrari and Lamborghini. But until that happens, there is time.
This 92nd edition will be an opportunity to gain experience, especially since the SC63 proves to be a fairly reliable car (which could make a big difference depending on the race facts).
If the chances are slim in Hypercar, the situation is quite different in LMGT3: the two Iron teams (Lynx and Dames) are managing more or less to adapt to the Lamborghini Huracan GT3. Just look at the Iron Dames, in the pink car, who secured a stratospheric pole position in Spa, in an event that represents a real test before Le Mans.
Even victory was not far off: the pace is not lacking in the Lamborghini teams. But the execution of the strategy could be lacking from both teams, especially in a race as long as Le Mans. Lamborghini has the opportunity to make history in LMGT3.
On one hand, to achieve a first victory at the 24 Hours, even if it is not in the general standings. On the other hand, to allow, for the first time in history, an all-female crew to triumph. Lilou Wadoux was the first woman to win a race in the WEC. Will they follow in her footsteps?
