Race and classic pictures

Lamborghini unveils SC63 Hypercar contender

Lamborghini has pulled the covers off its SC63 LMDh hybrid prototype that will compete in the WEC's Hypercar category next season as well as in the IMSA SportsCar Championship.

Developped in partnership with Ligier Automotive and powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 engine and a hybrid system, the mean machine will be fielded in the WEC - including a two-car entry at Le Mans - and in IMSA by the Italian Iron Lynx team.

Romain Grosjean, Daniil Kvyat, Andrea Caldarelli and Mirko Bortolotti are among the team's line-up while other drivers have yet to be confirmed.

Lamborghini Chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann called the SC63 "the most advanced racing car ever produced by Lamborghini".

"The opportunity to compete in some of the biggest endurance races in the world with a hybrid prototype fits with our vision for the future of high-performance mobility, as demonstrated for road legal cars with the launch of the Revuelto.

"The SC63 LMDh is the step into the highest echelons and into the future of motorsports for our Squadra Corse."

Iron Lynx is set to roll out the SC63 for its first track test next month, but the car is on display this weekend at Goodwood's Festival of Speed.

"Everyone at Iron Lynx is eager for testing to get underway," commented team boss Andrea Piccini.

"This is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges we’ve ever faced as a team, and we are now looking forward to seeing the SC63 on track."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.