06.08.2004 At the same time as the NEWS filtered through that the FIA had now accepted the Maserati MC12's homologation, the car itself was wrapping up a four day test at Paul Ricard

At the same time as the news was filtering through that the FIA had now accepted the Maserati MC12's homologation, the car itself was wrapping up a multi-day test at Paul Ricard in France.

The four day test kicked off on Tuesday, with JMB regular pilot Iradj Alexander taking to the track at the wheel of the MC12 for the first time. With JMB Racing most likely to be the first customer to run the new car in anger, the Swiss driver's presence implied that the French outfit are starting to gear up to this new challenge.

The 28-year-old covered a total of 69 laps during the opening day at the specialist Paul Ricard HTTT circuit, situated in the south of France, eventually turning in a best time of 1:51.213.

Day two of the test on Wednesday, saw  Andrea Bertolini sharing driving duties with Alexander. The Ferrari-Maserati Group sports test driver covered 50 laps, while the Alexander did 40 laps, with a best time of 1:48.971.

Yesterday, rain fell during the afternoon of the third day's session. However Bertolini and Alexander were still able to complete a planned race simulation test. The Italian covered 53 laps while the Swiss driver ran 30. The best time of the day was 2:09.101, set with wet tyres.

Today’s final session at the 5.729km circuit, which was once home to the French Grand Prix, focused on developing Pirelli compounds for the MC12. Bertolini covered 36 laps while Alexander completing four less. The fastest lap over the day was a 1:51.287.

This was the last major test for the MC12 ahead of its now confirmed debut at the next round of the FIA GT Championship in slightly less than a month, on home soil, at Imola. The car will undergo a final shakedown prior to the race.

Circuit: Paul Ricard HTTT – 5,759 km (version 1A - SC), Drivers: Andrea Bertolini & Iradj Alexander, Car: MC12, Weather: Tuesday, air temperature 27/31°C, track temperature 33/44°C; clear skies; Wednesday, air temperature 25/32°C, track temperature 31/48°C; clear skies; Yesterday, air temperature 25°C, track temperature 28°C; overcast, then rain; Today, air temperature 29°C, track temperature 48°C; clear skies.