30.08.2004 It is an exciting moment as it marks the return of a great automobile manufacturer to competition" Maserati management & drivers comment ahead of the MC12's Imola debut

Martin Leach (Maserati C.E.O)

"The history of Maserati is one of sporting success, splendid and fascinating automobiles and exclusive clients. We have completed the series of 25 MC12 roadcars and they are ready for delivery to the clients and the track cars in which we will make our racing return to an international championship are being prepared.

"For us then, it is a historic moment: a supercar, the races and the celebration of 90 years since Maserati’s founding. Keep track of us, the Trident is back."

Claudio Berro (Director Maserati Corse)

"It is an exciting moment as it marks the return of a great automobile manufacturer to competition after a gap of thirty years.

"All the cars have been completed and selected and so all that remains is for the track to give its verdict. We believe that we have worked well over the past two years. Even the group that works on the production of the road cars has made a huge contribution and I think that the blend of road and race cars is a good one. We will find out at Imola whether it is also a winning combination."

Giorgio Ascanelli (Technical Director Maserati Corse)

"The race version is derived from the road version of the MC12, with a close eye kept on performance and costs. We would like our future clients to possess an easily manageable car with great performance and good reliability. The times set during testing have been satisfying.

"We worked very hard on improving reliability. We tried to build a product that our clients can fully exploit. For this reason, drivability and interior comfort – important factors when different drivers will be racing – are very good."

Andrea Bertolini (Driver)

"The road going car and the race spec car are very similar. The MC12 is a very easy vehicle to drive and one in which it is easy to find the limit. We work well with Mika Salo. We completed the last three tests together and, most significantly, we give the technicians similar feedback on the car.

"I am really pleased to see Fabrizio De Simone again as he was my team mate last year. Johnny Herbert, with his insights, is someone else who will also be able to improve the car even more."

Mika Salo (Driver)

"It’s quite exciting. It’s has been a very busy testing and I think we should be ready for the race. I can’t wait to get to Imola. It’s a very comfortable car to drive, very good balanced, very comfortable especially for the long run. The car is perfect for long races.

"It’s very easy to drive and you don’t have to push it very hard like a normal race car to get a good time. I’m expecting good results from the first race."

Johnny Herbert (Driver)

"I am more than satisfied because we signed the agreement a few days ago and the first test at Mugello went extremely well. I know what to expect from the car. The MC12 is a pleasant car to drive. Comfort is very important in races of this type. A car has to be set up in two specific ways for two different drivers and I think that the perfect combination has been found.

"Maserati is an automobile Brand with a rich racing tradition behind it and I am honoured to be chosen to drive for them in the FIA GT championship.

Fabrizio de Simone (Driver)

"The first sensation is that the MC12 is an extremely precise and reliable car to drive. What I found was that it was easy to establish the right feeling with this car. I was pleased about this and it cheered me up. Anyway, the car is an exceptional one to drive.

"For me it is an honour to have Johnny Herbert as a team mate. He has lots of experience, like very few other drivers. For me this is an opportunity to learn and improve. In any case, everything will be easier as the kilometres are clocked up.