Rutronik Racing Partners with Lamborghini for 2026 GT World Challenge
Rutronik Racing, the reigning champion of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, has announced a significant shift in its manufacturer partnership, set to start in 2026. The German team will replace Porsche with Lamborghini, fielding the new Temerario GT3 in both the Sprint and Endurance Cups.
After a successful tenure with Porsche that began in 2021, during which Rutronik secured Porsche’s first victory in the Sprint Cup at Barcelona and fundamental wins in the Endurance Cup, the organization is now looking to embrace new challenges. Team Principal Klaus Graf emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, “We are excited about entering into a new strategic partnership with Lamborghini… It’s time to look ahead and take the next step.”
The 2025 season saw Rutronik notably contest all six overall GT World Challenge Europe titles, culminating in their second-place performance at the 24 Hours of Spa. Drivers Patric Niederhauser, Sven Müller, and Alessio Picariello collectively achieved notable podium finishes, with Niederhauser clinching the drivers’ championship by a narrow point margin.
For the upcoming season, Rutronik’s driver lineup will consist exclusively of Lamborghini Squadra Corse factory drivers, though the specifics have yet to be revealed. The team is the second confirmed customer for the Temerario GT3, with Pfaff Motorsports slated to give the car its global race debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March 2026.
Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer Rouven Mohr highlighted the importance of this collaboration, reflecting on the legacy of Lamborghini’s previous models in the series since 2015. “We will strengthen our competitiveness with a highly experienced team like Rutronik Racing,” he remarked, expressing confidence in achieving new successes together.
The 2026 GT World Challenge Europe season kicks off on April 11-12, 2026, at the Circuit Paul Ricard with a six-hour Endurance Cup event, marking a new chapter for both Rutronik Racing and Lamborghini in their pursuit of excellence on the global motorsports stage.
