Lamborghini Squadra Corse and Iron Lynx continued the development of its SC63 LMDh challenger this week, completing a productive three-day test at the Circuito de Almería in Spain.
The car, which will make its competitive debut at the FIA World Endurance Championship 2024 season opener in Qatar next March, was shared by Factory Drivers Andrea Caldarelli and Romain Grosjean with the latter turning his first laps.
Reliability and procedural tests were the main objectives carried out during the three days at the 4.2km circuit located in the Andalucian desert of southwest Spain. Technicians from both Squadra Corse and Iron Lynx concentrated on long runs as the team learns more about the prototype.
A single chassis was used across all three days, meeting its pre-test target of nearly 2000km. The test also gave Squadra Corse and Iron Lynx technicians the opportunity to simulate Full Corse Yellow and related restart procedures and strategies that often characterise endurance races in preparation for next season.
The test also marked the debut of Romain Grosjean at the wheel of the SC63. The Swiss driver – who has driven in selected endurance events in the WeatherTech IMSA Sports Car Championship with Iron Lynx this year – began his programme on the opening afternoon, alternating with Caldarelli. The pair then equally divided the mileage across the remainder of the test.
Romain Grosjean: “It was a very intense three days, but I am very happy to have been able to work the team and the car on the track for the first time. The car proved to be very good from the first laps and I can’t wait to put even more kilometres on it during the next tests.
“It felt really good, and I am happy to be in Almerían with the whole team and discovering all the people and the work that has been going on behind the scenes. So, I am very excited to be here, the car felt really good from the beginning but obviously we still have a bit of a journey [ahead of us]. But the work that has been done prior to my arrival has been very good and I am looking forward to learning more about the car.”
The test programme will continue in Europe next week. Subsequently, the Lamborghini Iron Lynx test team will move to the United States to continue the homologation process by IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) and for a series of tests on North American tracks.
