04.03.2004 THE MASERATI MC 12 RACER TAKES TO THE TRACK AT MUGELLO AS NICOLA LARINI IS DRAFTED IN

Coinciding with the MC 12 sportscar's launch at the Geneva Motor Show, Reparto Corse Maserati took to the track on Tuesday at the Mugello to continue development testing of this new car. Nicola Larini, who recently ended his association with the Alfa Romeo European Touring Car Championship team, has been drafted in to assist with testing duties.

The former Formula 1 driver completed a total of 69 laps on the full circuit with a quickest time of 1:46.306. It is also the first time that the MC 12, formely known by the codename MCC, has been seen testing away from Fiorano.

Testing continued again yesterday, with Nicola Larini again at the wheel during the morning. The Tuscan driver completing 25 laps, his best time of 1:46. 623 broadly the same as the previous day.

During the afternoon Andrea Bertolini completed the technical programme of the day, carrying out several laps without any lap times being recorded.

Reparto Corse Maserati will continue testing today at Mugello with Nicola Larini and Andrea Bertolini sharing driving duties.

Circuit: Autodromo del Mugello (5,245 km – short course 2,760 km); 03/02, Driver: Nicola Larini, Car: MC12, Weather: air temperature 5/10 °C, track temperature 8/12 °C, sunny; 04/02, Driver: Nicola Larini, Andrea Bertolini, Car: MC 12, Weather: air temperature 5/15° C, track temperature 4/20 °C, sunny.