12.01.2004 MASERATI'S NEW GT RACER TAKES TO THE TRACK FOR THE FIRST TIME AT FIORANO

Fiorano saw today the track debut of the Maserati GT sportscar that will take part in the FIA GT championship. The car, which for the time being goes by its project code name of MCC, will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March, alongside the Trident marque’s new road-going Granturismo car, the MCS, from which it is closely derived.

The two cars were designed in a joint operation between the Maserati engineers and those of the Modena company’s racing department under the technical direction of engineer, Giorgio Ascanelli.

The Ferrari-Maserati Group’s race test driver, Andrea Bertolini completed the first few laps, with no lap times recorded. Most of the day was devoted to a general technical check on the car.

“This is a very important programme for Maserati, which the Racing Department has tackled with great enthusiasm,” stated Gestione Sportiva Managing Director, Jean Todt. “Today, we have witnessed the MCC’s track debut and as usual on these occasions, it was a really emotional moment.”

Testing will continue at Fiorano continues tomorrow, once again with Andrea Bertolini at the wheel.

Circuit: Fiorano track, 2.976 km, short course 1.413 km; Driver: Andrea Bertolini; Car: MCC; Weather: air temperature 4°C, track 1-4°C. Clear skies, then cloudy.