Designed with the spirit of competition and inclusivity at its core, the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series has served as a launchpad for both seasoned racers and ambitious newcomers across continents, from Europe to the United States and, more prominently in recent years, Asia.

We spoke to Francesco Scardaoni, Regional Director of Automobili Lamborghini Asia Pacific, during the latest round of the Super Trofeo Asia in Sepang, Malaysia. His insights illustrate the brand’s strategy not only to grow its motorsport presence in the region but also to democratise access to the Lamborghini racing ecosystem.

Preserving the Gentleman Driver Spirit

“The Super Trofeo series was originally created for gentleman drivers,” Scardaoni explains. “That DNA remains central to our vision even as the competition has become more dynamic and professional over the years”.

To maintain this ethos, Lamborghini introduced the Lamborghini Cup, a dedicated category within the series that ensures amateur racers still have the opportunity to compete meaningfully. As the series attracted more professional drivers, it became harder for hobbyist racers to reach the podium. The creation of separate classes allowed Lamborghini to stay true to the inclusive roots of Super Trofeo while elevating the level of competition.

“It’s really about giving people a chance,” he adds. “Many of our current GT3 and endurance drivers started in Trofeo. It’s a place to begin, to learn, and to grow.”

Greater Accessibility Through Engineering and Format

“The Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2, and in the future, the Temerario Super Trofeo, are competent machines that are also remarkably approachable for aspiring racers,” Scardaoni says.

In fact, the performance of these race cars is such that, on certain circuits, they’ve been known to lap faster than GT3 competitors. Yet the vehicles are also designed to be user-friendly, allowing drivers to ease into the world of GT racing without needing the infrastructure of a full factory backed team.

To further support customer racers, Lamborghini offers varying levels of factory assistance from technical consulting to parts support, ensuring teams can compete with confidence whether they’re professionals or independent entrants.

Sepang and Southeast Asia: A Motorsport Hub

Scardaoni is particularly fond of the Sepang International Circuit, describing it as “a demanding yet rewarding track” with “a mix of tight corners, high-speed sections, and ever-changing weather conditions.” He adds, “Malaysia is vibrant, welcoming, and central for Southeast Asian participants. It creates a unique motorsport atmosphere that we value deeply”.

The popularity of the series has prompted Lamborghini to expand its calendar to include more Southeast Asian venues. In 2026, the series will make its debut at Buriram, Thailand, an indication of the growing appetite for motorsport across the region.

“Thailand has a strong motorsport culture and a very engaged Lamborghini customer base. It’s important for us to race where the passion lives,” he shares.

Technology Transfer and the Road Ahead

Beyond racing, the Super Trofeo series also plays a critical role in Lamborghini’s product development. “Cars like the Huracán STO were born directly from our motorsport programmes,” Scardaoni notes. “The aerodynamics, electronic systems, even the steering feel are direct evolutions from our racing platforms”.

This philosophy of “race to road” remains a cornerstone of Lamborghini’s identity, ensuring that what is learned on the track informs and enhances the brand’s high-performance road cars.

Looking ahead, the next-generation Temerario GT3 and Super Trofeo cars are set to replace the Huracán variants by 2027. While these will remain ICE-powered for simplicity and reliability, especially critical for customer racing, Lamborghini is testing tyre configurations and planning broader technical support to ensure the transition is seamless.

An Invitation to Join the Family

When asked what he would say to a fan considering attending or participating in Super Trofeo Asia, Scardaoni replies with a smile: “Come experience it. The cars are fast, the atmosphere is incredible, and it truly feels like a family. We don’t rely on celebrities to represent our brand, but our customers. They are our true ambassadors”.

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On a crisp Saturday evening under the neon glow of Las Vegas, Max Verstappen secured his fourth Formula 1 world championship with a composed drive to fifth place, as Mercedes claimed a dramatic one-two finish courtesy of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

The 27-year-old Dutchman needed only to finish ahead of his closest rival, Lando Norris, to seal the title. A clean start ensured he maintained position into Turn 1, and he gradually extended his lead over the McLaren driver as the race unfolded.  

While Verstappen briefly held a podium position after the second round of pit stops, he sensibly avoided an unnecessary battle when Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc loomed large in his mirrors during the closing laps.

Both Scuderia drivers managed to slip past, but Verstappen’s focus remained firmly on the championship prize rather than the race result.

At the sharp end of the grid, George Russell delivered a masterclass in race management. Starting from pole, the Brit deftly navigated the slippery conditions and kept an aggressive Leclerc at bay during the opening laps. Leclerc’s early push led to tyre degradation, allowing Russell to take control of the race.  

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton staged an impressive recovery drive. After a disappointing qualifying session that left him languishing in 10th, the seven-time world champion scythed through the field to slot in behind his teammate. Mercedes’ triumph marked their first victory since the Belgian Grand Prix in July, a much-needed boost for the Silver Arrows.  

Lando Norris snatched the fastest lap in the race’s dying moments, a small consolation as his championship hopes officially came to an end. His sixth-place finish, coupled with teammate Oscar Piastri’s seventh, reinforced McLaren’s strong season, though Piastri’s performance was marred by a time penalty for a false start.   

Further down the grid, Nico Hulkenberg played a vital role in Haas’ ongoing battle for sixth in the Constructors’ Championship. The German overtook Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull late in the race to score valuable points. In contrast, Alpine suffered heartbreak as Pierre Gasly was forced to retire with technical issues, after starting on the second row of the grid. 

Sergio Perez rounded out the top 10, adding a solitary point to Red Bull’s tally and denying Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso. Kevin Magnussen came home 12th after a bold one-stop strategy, fending off Zhou Guanyu and Williams’ Franco Colapinto, who recovered admirably after starting from the pit lane following a spectacular qualifying crash.  

The midfield pack saw its fair share of drama, with Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), Liam Lawson (Red Bull), Esteban Ocon (Alpine), and Valtteri Bottas (Kick Sauber) crossing the line as the final classified finishers. Williams’ Alex Albon joined Gasly on the sidelines, both drivers succumbing to mechanical woes.  

When Verstappen returned to parc fermé, the celebrations were palpable. The Dutchman’s fourth consecutive championship places him in rarified air, joining an illustrious list of Formula 1 legends.

With Red Bull’s dominance potentially slowing down, one can only wonder – how many more records will Verstappen break before he’s done?   

Photo Credits: Formula One Content Pool

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