Mitchell named Lambo Factory Driver 18 | 12 | 2020

    SCOTS ENDURANCE RACER SANDY MITCHELL has joined Lamborghini’s elite group after being unveiled as a Factory Driver for the Italian carmaker’s motorsport division for 2021, writes Jim McGill. The promotion to a professional racing driver comes just weeks after the 20-year-old from Forfar powered Lamborghini to its first British GT Championship. (Related: Scot Sandy Mitchell wins British GT Championship)

    “To now be classed as a Pro driver on the Lamborghini Factory list is definitely the realisation of a big dream of mine. It’s something I’m very proud of,” Mitchell, who won the British GT title with Rob Collard in a Huracan Evo GT3, stated. “It’s massive in terms of my career.” (Related: Mitchell bags Euro GT podium)

    Mitchell is the only British driver on the eight-strong professional driver list — which includes five Italians — and, alongside fellow 20-year-old, Giacomo Altoe, is one of the two youngest drivers on the select list.

    “To become a Factory Driver at this young age of 20 is a big positive for me,” Mitchell, personally backed by Huntly-based Black Bull Scotch Whisky, and who is also a member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club’s elite SuperStars programme, continued. “It shows a lot for Lamborghini to be put their trust in me at this young age. (Related: Mitchell sets up Silverstone showdown)

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    “Even though I am still young, I have plenty of experience now in the Lamborghini. Next season will be my fourth year with Lamborghini, which is fantastic, and I’m looking forward to continuing that relationship. (Related: Mitchell wins again at Spa24H)

    “It’s been a great journey with Black Bull, Lamborghini and Barwell Motorsport over the last three years. It’s over that period that I’ve really grown as a driver, and the experience has sculpted me into the driver and person I am now.

    “Those three reference points are what I’m known for, and I think of myself as representing. Now I’m looking forward to continuing that over the next few years.”

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    Since being selected to join the Lamborghini Young Driver Programme, and then the supercar maker’s Squadra Corse GT3 Junior Program in May 2018, Mitchell has won races in the British GT Championship, the Blancpain GT Endurance Series, Lamborghini Super Trofeo North American Championship, and the GT World Challenge Europe. In addition, he achieved back-to-back class wins in the ultra-competitive Spa 24-Hours. (Related: Mitchell storms to British GT win)

    “My relationship with Lamborghini in the past three years of being a member of its Junior Programme has been very good,” he explained. “It’s fantastic to be able to go from having done Lamborghini Super Trofeo and Lamborghini GT3 as a Silver driver, to now be a Factory Driver.

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    “For me it’s a great vindication of Lamborghini’s investment in its Junior Driver programme. It’s also the result of a huge amount of work not just on the track, but also off-track.

    “Obviously the pressures that each driver faces on-track are always big, and it’s something I’ve always felt I’ve dealt with very well. I feel that once I get on track, then I can get on with what I do best. (Related: Mitchell bags two British GT podiums)

    “Off-track it’s been a massive commitment both for me and my family. They have helped hugely in allowing me to go racing as a young driver and be able to get on to the grid in the first place; certainly in terms of finding the backing to be there. I’ll always be grateful for the massive support and backing I’ve received from all my sponsors, and look forward to representing them in the future.

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    “There’s so much that goes into it, and has done for the last few years. So it’s incredible now to be in this position.”

    And Mitchell’s promotion to Factory Driver was welcomed by Giorgio Sanna, Lamborghini’s Head of Motorsport.

    “I’m pleased to welcome Sandy in to our Factory Driver roster,” he said. “That’s not only a demonstration of his qualities as a driver and a young man, but is also proof that our Young Driver and GT3 Junior Driver programs contribute to their professional growth.

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    “I’m confident Sandy has all the qualities and skill to grow with us and clinch prestigious targets together with Lamborghini.”

    News of Mitchell’s new position as Lamborghini Factory Driver was also celebrated by Euan Shand, chairman of Black Bull Scotch Whisky. (Related: Mitchell seals British GT Silver win)

    “This was a stellar year of racing and we were proud to be the main sponsor for Sandy,” he said. “This is a fantastic accolade for the young Scot and richly deserved.”

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    Related: Mitchell adds GT World Europe to 2020 schedule

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    Jim McGill

    All photographs copyright of Jakob Ebrey

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