10.06.2004 Mika Salo AND Andrea Bertolini wrapped up a three day test session at Monza with the Maserati MC12 after simulating a full distance GT race

Maserati Reparto Corse kicked off a three day test program at Monza on Monday with the MC12 sportscar. Significantly, former F1 star Miko Salo was the driver, finally getting behind the wheel of the GT racing destined 6.0-litre V12 racer, a debut originally scheduled for Paul Ricard last month.

The Finnish driver completed 89 laps of the famous circuit, long time home of the Italian Grand Prix, posting a best lap time of 1:45.380.

Yesterday saw the second day of the programme with Andrea Bertolini joining Salo to share driving duties at the wheel of the MC12. Bertolini completed 55 laps, the quickest in 1:44.561, while Salo did 7 laps, with no times being recorded.

Today was the third and final day of testing this week for Maserati at Monza. Once again today, Andrea Bertolini and Mika Salo were on track.

As part of today’s programme the Ferrari Maserati Group sports test driver and the Finnish former Ferrari F1 pilot successfully completed a race distance run. Bertolini ran 70 laps, the quickest in 1:45.440, while Salo did 58 laps, with a best time of 1:44.883.

Circuit: Autodromo di Monza – 5.793 km; Drivers: Andrea Bertolini and Mika Salo; Car: MC12; Weather: Yesterday, air temperature 23/34 °C, track temperature 30/47 °C; clear skies. Today, air temperature 26/33 °C, track temperature 34/51 °C; clear skies.