Former Formula One racer Daniil Kvyat will enter the Super GT competition for the 2026 season, driving for the Japan Lamborghini Owners’ Club (JLOC). This move marks Kvyat’s first appearance in a GT3 car, transitioning from his recent prototype racing experience.
JLOC’s History and Challenges in Recent Super GT Seasons
JLOC has competed in Super GT since 1994 and secured their first championship in the GT300 category in 2024. The team also holds the distinction of winning the initial Asian Le Mans GT1 class title. However, the 2025 season proved difficult, with the team earning just one podium finish.
Team principal Isao Noritake pointed to issues with the Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations, which reportedly reduced the car’s top speed by as much as 12 km/h on straights, impacting overall competitiveness.
Selection of the Lamborghini Model for Upcoming Seasons
Facing a decision between introducing the new Lamborghini GT3 car, the Temerario, or continuing with the existing Huracán, JLOC opted to finalize their use of the Huracán for 2026. This will be the model’s last appearance in a major racing series before the Temerario assumes full competition duties in multiple series.
Kvyat’s Racing Career and Transition to Sports Car Racing
Daniil Kvyat’s Formula One career spanned six seasons from 2014 to 2020, during which he achieved three podiums. After leaving F1, Kvyat moved into sportscar racing, spending a year in the World Endurance Championship’s LMP2 class with PREMA before joining Lamborghini’s SC63 Hypercar program in 2024. In 2025, he continued as part of Lamborghini’s GTP campaign in the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
Kvyat’s Future Role as a Lamborghini Factory Driver
With Lamborghini’s Hypercar program currently paused, Kvyat will maintain his role as a factory driver by competing with JLOC in Super GT. Although this will be his initial experience in a GT3 class vehicle, Kvyat is expected to take part in other Lamborghini racing commitments this year. His announcement on Instagram hints at involvement with the Temerario, signaling continued collaboration with the brand.
Implications of Kvyat’s Move to Super GT
Kvyat’s entry into Super GT adds high-profile experience to JLOC’s lineup as the team prepares for the final season of the Huracán and eventual transition to the Temerario. His background in Formula One and endurance racing brings valuable expertise that could help the team overcome recent challenges related to performance regulations. Observers will watch closely to see how Kvyat adapts to GT3 competition and supports JLOC’s pursuit of greater success in the coming seasons.
