16.01.2004 THE FIRST WEEK LONG DEVELOPMENT TEST OF THE NEW MASERATI MCC CONCLUDED TODAY

The first week long development test session for the Maserati MCC ended today at the Fiorano circuit. For the fifth consecutive day, Andrea Bertolini took to the track at the wheel of the new car destined to take part in GT races.

The Maserati Reparto Corse test driver completed a further 50 laps today. His best time was a 1’12”354.

Yesterday, saw the fourth day of the at Fiorano, where work continues on the development of the MCC. Test driver Andrea Bertolini completed a total of 56 laps, with a best time of 1’12’’336.

Meanwhile, Ferrari-Maserati customer racing division boss Claudio Berro, has moved to squash speculation that the new car will run away with the FIA GT series, insisting that the MCC, which is drawn from the 6.0-litre V12 Ferrari Enzo supercar, has been developed on a relatively modest budget. He insisted that it is very close to the road version, of which around 25 are expected to be built to satisfy homogation requirements, and will cost little more to run than the Ferrari 575GTC. Around 10 ten of the race ready MCC's will be built during the course of the year.

Circuit: Fiorano track, 2.976 km – short course 1.413 km, Driver: Andrea Bertolini, Car: MCC, Weather Today: air temperature 2-9°C, track 2-9°C. Clear skies, then cloudy; Weather Yesterday: air temperature 9/11 °C, track 3/10 °C. Clear skies with strong winds.