Modena (racing team).html



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Modena was a Formula One team from Italy, full name Modena Team. The team had a rather muddy history, and are often referred to as the Lambo or Lamborghini team because of its engines. The team colloquially being called Lambo was almost more strong in usage than being called Modena, it should be noted.

They first emerged as the Mexican outfit GLAS in late 1990, with former Alfa Romeo and Spirit driver Mauro Baldi as a proposed backer and driver, and with a deal for Lamborghini's V12 engine. However, the Mexican backers disappeared, and Lamborghini bailed the team out. They relocated to Modena in Italy, hence the changed name, and entered the 1991 Formula One series. Lamborghini were reluctant to have them viewed as a "works" team as this might reflect badly on the marque, though most media sources ignored this. However, Modena Team, after an initial lump sum from Lamborghini, were entirely independent.

According to the official entry lists for the 1991 Grand Prix season, Modena Team were the entrants, and the chassis was the Lambo 291. Nicola Larini and Eric van de Poele were signed to drive. Both cars had to face pre-qualifying for the first half of the season and each driver only made it through into the race on one occasion - Larini eventually coming 7th at the opening United States Grand Prix, and van de Poele running 5th at the San Marino Grand Prix before a mechanical problem dropped him to 9th less than a lap from the end. By mid-season the team were in dire financial straights. Lamborghini refused to release any additional funds, and though the team were now clear of pre-qualifying, they were unable to make any progress. Larini got through to a further four races (spinning out of the German Grand Prix, coming 16th at the Hungarian Grand Prix and Italian Grand Prix and colliding with Jean Alesi at the Australian Grand Prix). However, the team disappeared before the 1992 season.

Complete Formula One results

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