Lamborghini has elected not to move forward with its proposed GTE effort, with a focus instead set to be placed on its customer-based programs in the short and mid-term, according to motorsports boss Giorgio Sanna.

The Italian manufacturer had been evaluating a step up to the top production-based ranks since at least 2016, with multiple design studies undertaken for a Lamborghini Huracan GTE.

It’s understood the proposal would have seen factory programs in both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship, including an assault on the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

In a Sportscar365 exclusive interview, Sanna explained that current instability in the overall sports car racing landscape has resulted in Lamborghini putting its GTE prospects on hold for the time being.

“GTE, for the moment, is not in our plan,” Sanna told Sportscar365. “For sure in the next three years, there will be no [higher] program than GT3.

“It was a decision made recently based on the actual situation on the next few years.

“As you can imagine, to develop GTE car, you need to at least work two or three years. But first of all you need to know where you’re going.

“Until the situation will become clear or sustainable, for us, we prefer to wait.”

Sanna indicated the evolving regulations in the sports car racing world, including the FIA and ACO’s proposed ‘Hypercar’ platform, which could lead to a depletion of GTE manufacturer involvement, was a contributing factor.

Sportscar365 understands the decision was taken by the Lamborghini board last month, following the ACO’s announcement at Le Mans.

A handful of existing Lamborghini customer teams, including Wayne Taylor Racing and Team Rosberg, had been tipped to be part of the proposed factory GTE program.

“Of course our customer teams worldwide were asking to do something more,” Sanna said.

“But they’re the first to understand that we have to move together, step by step, because the more you go up, the more risks [you take].

“We have to manage the risks in a proper way, looking for solid rules on the technical and sporting side.”

Focus on Growing GT3, Super Trofeo Market

Sanna said the focus for the time being will be on growing Lamborghini’s customer base in both GT3 and its single-make Super Trofeo series worldwide.

An extensive Evo kit is set to be rolled out on the Huracan GT3 in 2019, which Sanna said will ensure the car’s competitiveness for the next three years.

“We have to consolidate what we have today in our hands,” he said.

“Looking at Super Trofeo and GT3… the effort in GT3 is getting bigger and bigger every year because the market is requesting this kind of effort because the championships are becoming more challenging.

“Since the beginning, Lamborghini Squadra Corse is focused on customer racing. Where there are not enough guarantees to have a solid platform for [GTE], we prefer to wait.”