04.05.2004 As Ferrari kicked off a test program with the Ferrari 575 GTC at Fiorano today, former F1 World Champion Alain Prost tried out the Maserati MC 12 sportscar

Today was the first day of testing this week for the Ferrari Corse Clienti department at the Fiorano circuit.

Andrea Bertolini carried out development work on the Ferrari 575 GTC sportscar, which first saw race action in the penultimate round of last year's FIA GT series in Estoril where it emerged victorious.

The customer racer is being used by JMB Racing and GPC Squadra Corse in the FIA GT Championship and by Barron Connor Racing in the Le Mans Endurance Series which kicks off at Monza this coming weekend.

The Ferrari Maserati Group’s sports test driver carried out a programme of data acquisition, completing 20 untimed laps.

There was also a suprise at Fiorano today, when former Formula One World Champion Alain Prost ran a few laps at the wheel of the GT racing bound Maserati MC12 sportscar.

“I was in Maranello to visit my friend Jean Todt and I jumped at the chance to try the car,” commented Prost. “It was an emotional moment coming back here and meeting people with whom I had shared unforgettable times.”

No lap times were available, but the sight of the former Ferrari F1 driver at the wheel of the MC12 has sent the rumour mill into full swing with speculation being aired that the legendary driver could be tempted into put on his overalls again.

The Ferrari 575 GTC test programme continues tomorrow, again at Fiorano with Andrea Bertolini.

Circuit: Fiorano track, 2.976 km – short course 1.413 km; Driver: Andrea Bertolini; Car: Ferrari 575 GTC; Weather: air temperature 14/20 °C, track 17/25 °C; cloudy/rain.