22.05.2004 Maserati Reparto Corse yesterday wrapped up a four day test session at the 'high-tech' Paul Ricard HTTT circuit in the south of France with the new MC 12
Maserati Reparto
Corse yesterday wrapped up a four day test session at the 'high-tech' Paul
Ricard HTTT circuit in the south of France with the new MC 12.
As Maserati's new sportscar winds up for a race debut later this summer in the
FIA GT Championship, the week has been significant as it is the first time the
car has gone on track with its rivals, as several leading GT teams, including
Prodrive and JMB Racing, were also present as they build up towards next month's
Le Mans 24 Hours.
The final two
days at Paul Ricard saw the team concentrate on data aquisition, with offical
tester Andrea Bertolini once again at the wheel of the MC 12. On Thursday he
completed 86 laps and yesterday finished matters off with 111 laps.
Under the guidance of engineer Giorgio Ascanelli, Maserati's Racing Division is
currently flat out in developing the new car to meet the rules of the major
international championships including the FIA GT series, the American Le Mans
Series and the ultimate sportscar challenge, the Le Mans 24 Hours.
The Maserati MC12 is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 engine that
punches out 465 kW at 7500 rpm. The MC12's bodywork is entirely carbon fibre,
while its stress-bearing chassis is made from a carbon fibre and Nomex honeycomb
sandwich. Two aluminium sub-chassis's support the ancillaries, help absorb
bumps, and guarantee an excellent standard of safety.
Intensive wind tunnel testing and advanced mathematical computations, combined
with work on the track and road, have resulted in an extraordinarily efficient
form. The air intakes, vents and other aerodynamic components have been designed
to optimise the car's internal fluid dynamics and air flows to ensure optimal
downforce and aerodynamic efficiency values.
Circuit: Paul Ricard HTTT – 5.759 km (version 1A – SC), Driver: Andrea Bertolini, Car: MC12, Weather: 20.05: air temperature 18/23 °C, track 21/37 °C; clear skies, 21.05: air temperature 18/22 °C, track 22/41 °C; clear skies.
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