04.08.2004 Maserati's MC12 sportscar has moved onto Paul Ricard this week to continue its ON-TRACK DEVELOPMENT, with Swiss GT driver Iradj Alexander joining the programme for the first time

With controversy still swirling around it, Maserati's exciting new MC12 sportscar has moved onto the Paul Ricard circuit this week to continue its development program.

Maserati are re-working the dimensions of the car in an effort to make it acceptable to the FIA, with a late year debut in the closing races of the FIA GT series still a possibility.

Yesterday was the first day of this week's testing for Reparto Corse Maserati at the technologically-advanced Paul Ricard HTTT test circuit, former home of the French Grand Prix, in the south of France.

Iradj Alexander, joining the programme for the first time, took to the track at the wheel of the MC12. The 28-year-old covered a total of 69 laps, with a best time of 1:51.213.

The Swiss national is a familiar face on the sportscar scene, having driven a JMB Racing Ferrari 360 Modena in a mixture of FIA GT and ALMS races over the last four years.

Before his switch to GT racing he rose through the single seater ranks, competing in the French Formula Ford Championship, before moving on to French Formula 3, French Formula Renault, as well as taking in a year with the US-based Barber Dodge Pro Series.

Reparto Corse Maserati will continue testing today at Paul Ricard with Alexander being joined by regular tester Andrea Bertolini.

Circuit: Paul Ricard HTTT – 5,759 km (version 1A - SC), Driver: Iradj Alexander, Car: MC12, Weather: air temperature 27/31°C, track temperature 33/44°C; clear skies.