03.02.2004 MASERATI MCC SPORTSCAR GETS BACK ON TRACK AS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM GATHERS PACE

Three weeks after the Maserati MCC prototype was unveiled and turned a wheel for the first time, the prototype got back on track today as the development program cranked up a gear.

The first day of testing this week by Reparto Corse Maserati was held in dry and cloudy conditions, again taking place at Ferrari's private test facility, Fiorano. 

At the wheel of the MCC were Andrea Bertolini, the Ferrari-Maserati Group’s sports test driver and Pirelli test driver, Fabio Babini who had undertaken all the driving during the first test last month.

Bertolini completed 69 laps, the quickest being a 1:12.247, while Babini did 31 laps, with a best time of 1:14.496. Development work on the new car, which will be officially presented at the Geneva Motor Show next month, will continue tomorrow, once again with Bertolini and Babini driving at Fiorano.

Circuit: Fiorano track, 2.976 km – short course 1.413 km; Drivers: Andrea Bertolini and Fabio Babini; Car: MCC; Weather: air temperature 4/10 °C, track 3/10 °C. Cloudy.