03.08.2004 "Today was a very important day for us, finally a debut after so many months of testing" Maserati FIA GT free practice report from Imola

The first free practice session at the Santerno circuit was a historic moment for Maserati as it marked the return to competition of one of its GT cars.

After months dedicated to development, the MC12 finally reached its moment of truth and its match up with other cars in the FIA GT championship.

It was a very positive debut, also concerning the lap times set. This was the case even though the drivers were concentrating mainly on the set up for the race.

After the first free practice sessions, the number 33 Maserati, entrusted to Andrea Bertolini and Mika Salo, set the second fastest time overall with 1:47.763, 0.583 down on the Konrad Motorsport Saleen. Ninth spot went to the number 34 MC12 driven by Johnny Herbert and Fabrizio De Simone.

In the second free practice session run in the afternoon and under a blazing sun, the two cars ran lots of laps without encountering any reliability problems. Herbert and De Simone classified fourth after they stopped the clock at 1:48.530 while the Bertolini-Salo ended the session in sixth place with 1:48.859.

Claudio Berro, Director Maserati Corse: "We are satisfied with this first free practice day and of the performance of both crews fielded by AF Corse. The team was very professional and maintained high concentration as the MC12 made its debut. Notwithstanding the high temperatures, the cars did not have any particular mechanical problems."

Giorgio Ascanelli, Technical Director Maserati Corse: "We did what we had to and completed the programme of work we had planned for today. We have to remember that we were making our debut in a new car. We are very happy with the performance of the Pirelli tyres and the brakes worked well. We are ready for a good qualifying session tomorrow."

Andrea Bertolini, driver: "Today was a very important day for us; finally a debut after so many months of testing. I took to the track first to select the tyres we will use tomorrow. Tyres and brakes will be very important this weekend. In the afternoon I conferred with Mika over some details of the set up. We are working hard to get a good result on Sunday."

Mika Salo, driver: "I knew this track already and so I concentrated on the set up with Andrea. I would say that we did a great job. I asked for some small modifications that Andrea agreed with. We managed to run quite a few laps. Notwithstanding the heat, the cockpit is very comfortable and this is another important factor. I am very satisfied."

Johnny Herbert, driver: "We are very pleased with the progress made compared to this morning, when we run very few laps. In the afternoon I alternated with Fabrizio and we managed to find a good set up. We have a little understeer but we already know how to adjust the car for tomorrow. Remember that we tested for the first time last week. We are happy."

Fabrizio De Simone, driver: "I would say that the outcome of today is positive, even though we ran only a few laps. The feeling with the car is good, I am in agreement with Johnny over the modifications to be made and so tomorrow I hope to take to the track as early as possible and improve."