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The two
MC12 crewed by Herbert/De Simone and Bertolini/Salo will start from the first
and second rows in tomorrow’s race, the tenth round of the FIA GT championship.
The start is programmed for 15.00 local time and will take place at the brand
new circuit in Dubai. The two Maserati fielded by the AF Corse team earned
second and third spots, respectively.
This morning the drivers of the n.33 and n.34 cars were very quick in setting
the first and third fastest times. In the afternoon, notwithstanding the higher
temperatures, some drivers managed to exploit the increased grip and improved
their performance.
One of those who did better was Fabrizio De Simone who found himself at home on
the new Middle Eastern circuit. Together with Johnny Herbert, he set up the car
impeccably.
Pole position went to Bobbi/Gardel in the Ferrari 550 Maranello. Andrea
Bertolini and Mika Salo are well placed on the second row to challenge for their
second win of the season.
Martin Leach, the Chief Executive Officer of Maserati, visited the
AF Corse team and will be present at tomorrow’s race.
Claudio Berro: "This morning our car was set up really well and this allowed
us to take top spot. In the afternoon session we opted to run only a few fast
laps to improve the performance.
"We are on the first and second rows and have a
good chance of winning seeing as the car’s race set up is well balanced."
Andrea Bertolini: "The race will be hard to call and very tough but we have
worked hard in qualifying and we are happy with the behaviour of the car, even
taking into account the 100 kilos of handicap weight the rules state that we
have to carry."
Mika Salo: "We are really pleased with today’s work. I feel well physically.
I set my fastest time this morning. In the afternoon the track had more grip but
there was a lot of traffic out there during my fast lap. The car, in long run
set up, is comfortable and well balanced."
Johnny Herbert: "On this track there is only one ideal trajectory. If you
stray the sand makes the surface very slippery and, consequently, overtaking is
difficult.
"This is why it is important to start up front, another benefit being
that this avoids having sand kicked up into the radiator by other cars."
Fabrizio De Simone: "I am very satisfied. Johnny and I,
the whole team and the Pirelli staff have worked hard since Tuesday.
"The car was
spot on from this morning. Tomorrow it will be very important to maintain a
consistent rhythm and keep our concentration."
Official
qualifying: No. 34 Johnny Herbert/Fabrizio De Simone 2° 12 laps 1.56.599 chassis
n. 03/15440, No. 33 Andrea Bertolini/Mika Salo 3° 12 laps 1.56.714 chassis n.
06/15442
Weather: air temperature 34°C, track 43°C; sunny, dry, Circuit length:
5,394 km
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