Claudio Lombardi
Encyclopedia
Claudio Lombardi is a former Formula One
engineer, best known for his work as team-manager at the Ferrari
team during the early-1990s.
, choosing to study mechanical engineering. He was soon recruited by the Fiat
research center, before designing engines for Lancia
, which helped them in the World Rally Championship
and in sports car racing
. Lombardi became head of department for engineering at Lancia when Cesare Fiorio
moved to Ferrari
. Fiorio's stay at Ferrari did not last long, as he was fired in June 1991. Lombardi was promoted from engineer at the Ferrari team to team-manager at the team, as part of an effort from new president Luca di Montezemolo to "rejuvenate" the team. Lombardi was moved to the Ferrari GT programme at the beginning of 1994 as part of another reshuffle.
Formula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
engineer, best known for his work as team-manager at the Ferrari
Scuderia Ferrari
Scuderia Ferrari is the racing team division of the Ferrari automobile marque. The team currently only races in Formula One but has competed in numerous classes of motorsport since its formation in 1929, including sportscar racing....
team during the early-1990s.
Career
Lombardi studied at the University of BolognaUniversity of Bologna
The Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna is the oldest continually operating university in the world, the word 'universitas' being first used by this institution at its foundation. The true date of its founding is uncertain, but believed by most accounts to have been 1088...
, choosing to study mechanical engineering. He was soon recruited by the Fiat
Fiat
FIAT, an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino , is an Italian automobile manufacturer, engine manufacturer, financial, and industrial group based in Turin in the Italian region of Piedmont. Fiat was founded in 1899 by a group of investors including Giovanni Agnelli...
research center, before designing engines for Lancia
Lancia
Lancia Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian automobile manufacturer founded in 1906 by Vincenzo Lancia and which became part of the Fiat Group in 1969. The company has a long history of producing distinctive cars and also has a strong rally heritage. Some modern Lancias are seen as presenting a more...
, which helped them in the World Rally Championship
World Rally Championship
The World Rally Championship is a rallying series organised by the FIA, culminating with a champion driver and manufacturer. The driver's world championship and manufacturer's world championship are separate championships, but based on the same point system. The series currently consists of 13...
and in sports car racing
Sports car racing
Sports car racing is a form of circuit auto racing with automobiles that have two seats and enclosed wheels. They may be purpose-built or related to road-going sports cars....
. Lombardi became head of department for engineering at Lancia when Cesare Fiorio
Cesare Fiorio
Cesare Fiorio is a former Formula One sporting director for Ferrari, Ligier and Minardi, and former team manager of Lancia's factory World Rally Championship team. He is currently employed as a TV commentator...
moved to Ferrari
Scuderia Ferrari
Scuderia Ferrari is the racing team division of the Ferrari automobile marque. The team currently only races in Formula One but has competed in numerous classes of motorsport since its formation in 1929, including sportscar racing....
. Fiorio's stay at Ferrari did not last long, as he was fired in June 1991. Lombardi was promoted from engineer at the Ferrari team to team-manager at the team, as part of an effort from new president Luca di Montezemolo to "rejuvenate" the team. Lombardi was moved to the Ferrari GT programme at the beginning of 1994 as part of another reshuffle.