13.01.2004 FIRST PROPER DAY OF DEVELOPMENT TESTING FOR MASERATI MCC RACER

After yesterday’s few laps to do a preliminary systems check on the car at Fiorano, today the circuit was the scene for the first day of development work on the new MCC. Test driver Andrea Bertolini covered a total of 51 laps, setting a best time of 1’12”970.

When Andrea Bertolini turned the key to the 12-cylinder engine at Fiorano yesterday, a new chapter was written in Maserati’s sporting history. The MCC, short for Maserati Corse Competizione, kicked off a series of tests at the Modena circuit designed to fine tune various components. The 12 cylinder V-engine has a displacement of 5998 cc and produces over 620 bhp. The MCC’s sweeping, aerodynamic body rests on a carbon-fibre chassis that weighs 1100 kg. Push rod suspension in steel and tyres by Pirelli complete the hardware.

Giorgio Ascanelli planned and oversaw the MCC project, a model which is very similar to the new Maserati Granturismo (MCS). The car will be officially presented at the Geneva Motorshow in March this year. With this new model, the House of the Trident will take part in some selected FIA GT races in the upcoming championship, ahead of full participation pencilled in for 2005.

The test programme 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 3-8°C, track 2-7°C. Clear skies, then cloudy.