06.09.2004 "The return to the track could not have gone any better for a manufacturer that is part of history" Maserati's big guns, Luca di Montezemolo AND Martin Leach, were in attendance at Imola

The racing debut of the Maserati MC12 yesterday at Imola was witnessed by Maserati's top management, with both Ferrari-Maserati Group President Luca di Montezemolo, and recently installed Maserati CEO Martin Leach in attendance.

"I am pleased with this result with both cars making the podium," commented di Montezemolo, who earlier this year also became Chairman of the Fiat Group, the Ferrari-Maserati division's parent.

"This is testimony to all the work done at Maserati. After more than twenty-five years, the return to the track could not have gone any better for a manufacturer that is part of automobile history."

Meanwhile, the former boss of Ford Europe, Martin Leach, now tasked with driving forward the revival of the Maserati marque, was also present in the AF Corse garage.

"We are very happy with this performance, achieved after a week of hard work. Having two Maserati on the podium is much more than we could have expected.

"It really is very satisfying," concluded a man who identifies motor racing as being at the heart of Maserati's future, "The MC12 proved to be reliable and fast. It is a great result for a new supercar."