Farewell to Claudio Lombardi, engineer of Lancia, Ferrari and Aprilia

The automotive world mourns the passing of Claudio Lombardi (Alessandria, 1942 – 2025), one of the most brilliant and innovative engineers of the Italian school.

After his first experiences at Fiat, his career took off in the mid-1970s at Lancia Corse, where in 1975 he became head of engine design. Lombardi distinguished himself as the creator and promoter of the revolutionary “Triflux” system and was one of the leading figures behind the legendary Lancia Delta S4, a true icon of the Group B era. Under his technical direction, Lancia secured world titles and wrote some of the most glorious chapters in rallying history.

With the end of the official Lancia programme, Lombardi moved to Maranello, where from 1991 to 1994 he headed the Ferrari Formula 1 engine department. In those years he introduced advanced solutions, including pneumatic valve control, helping to restore competitiveness to the Scuderia during a difficult period. He then went on to lead the development of engines for Ferrari Gran Turismo racing cars, expanding the company’s involvement in competition beyond Formula 1.

From 2000 to 2010 he brought his expertise to the two-wheel world, collaborating with Aprilia. His name is especially linked to the creation of the RSV4, the motorcycle that revolutionised the Superbike scene and carried over technical concepts developed during his Ferrari years.

A complete engineer, capable of combining vision with pragmatism, Claudio Lombardi leaves a profound mark on Italian motorsport: from rally victories to Formula 1, and from Ferrari GTs to Aprilia’s triumphs on circuits worldwide.

Alongside his technical career, he was also engaged in civic and environmental causes in his hometown of Alessandria, always with the same sense of responsibility and integrity that had distinguished his professional life.