Reparto Corse Maserati conducted two days of testing at the Road Atlanta during the week with MC 12 sportscar. Lead American Le Mans Series driver, Fabrizio De Simone, continued his development of the MC12 and the Pirelli tyres it is using for its first North American campaign. He was out on the track constantly over the two days and did not report any technical problems with the car.

The Roman driver eventually ran 150 laps on the first day, Tuesday, and set a best time of 1:18.260. On day two, Wednesday, he clocked 1:18.560 after running 124 laps.

Prior to the Road Atlanta test Maserati Corse's website (www.maseraticorse.it) interviewed Fabrizio De Simone. They started by asking him how he rated the ALMS for competitiveness? "It is very high thanks to the fact that the smallest technical detail of the cars is taken care of and due to the high level of professionalism," he replied, adding, "There are few models that compete in the GT1 class but the organisation is first rate.”

"The MC12s performance is becoming ever closer to that of the leading cars", the interviewer continued, "When do you think it will be possible to take on the Corvettes on a level playing field?" De Simone responded, "We will be holding a test at Road Atlanta in mid-June. The aim is to improve the car and the tyres while gaining some experience. We hope that this test will bring us even nearer the top cars. In any case, each race has to be viewed individually and so you have to be able to make the most of any opportunities that present themselves when on the track.

"I hope to be able to take on the Corvettes not only in qualifying but also during races. We don’t currently know how much ground we have to make up. They have the advantage of having greater experience as they have raced on these circuits for years and can count on setting the cars up perfectly each time. As well as this challenge, we also have to cope with the limitations imposed on the car with its modified aerodynamics. It is not easy to generate aerodynamic load with a reduced rear wing and with a much smaller splitter than the others have. They do not have to adhere to these regulations.”

Asked to comment on the difference between the European circuits (which he knows well) and the US circuits he is experiencing for the first time, De Simone commented, 'The US circuits are very different and, on the whole, more enjoyable to drive and technically more demanding. They also allow each driver to develop his own racing line.
 

"They are still interesting as they take have many ups and downs and fast curves. ALMS circuits tend to have more faster curves than European ones."

”No," he replied when asked if this affected the task of setting up the car, adding "In this case the only variable is related to the type of surface. The tracks are mostly uneven whereas in Europe they are usually much more level. This means that different work has to be carried out on the springs and dampeners. The set up also has to be modified for the many fast curves. We generally try to find the best balance possible for the car so that tyre wear is kept to a minimum.”

The interviewer then asked for his thoughts on taking part in the legendary 12 Hours of Sebring? "It was a great race on an unusual circuit with one road section where the cars drove on cement slabs from the old airport. The 12 Hours is very enjoyable as it is a long event and fully tests the tyres and mechanics. It can be compared to the 24 Hours in that respect. I’d say that we did very well and managed to improve our performance during the race thanks to a spot-on choice of tyre. The final result was satisfactory given that it was our first outing on American soil. The team was making its debut and we had 66 kilos of ballast to contend with and modified aerodynamics. We wanted to and, could indeed, have done better. We could have made the podium and we missed out only because of a banal problem."

”It is important that there is a good understanding in such a critical factor as the tyres," replied De Simone on being asked about the importance of the Pirelli partneship, "The objectives and the work were clear to both and, consequently, the results have come. The synergy between Pirelli and Maserati is bearing good results both in the FIA GT and the single-make series reserved to the Trofeo GranSport, a car which I helped to develop.” Finally the interview touched on the subject on talk of falling spectator numbers in Europe, and the interviewer enquired what the situation was in the US. "The fans are highly regarded in the United States," said De Simone, "The spectators are a fundamental part of what is a truly inclusive event. Entry to the paddock costs little and this allows fans to see the cars, mechanics and drivers close up. As pit areas, as such, don’t exist, the technicians work in hangers. All the equipment is taken to the pit lane before the sessions in which they will be used. The public is very knowledgeable and when there are autograph signing sessions held the supporters come in their droves. Maserati, in particular, draws the crowds. Americans watch the ALMS championship in vast numbers; this is probably thanks to the internet and the superb media coverage,” De Simone concluded

The MC12 will compete in the next ALMS championship race to be held at Lime Rock on 4 July. It will also appear at Brno tomorrow for the fifth FIA GT Championship event of the year, where, after the two opening free practice sessions yesterday, the JMB Racing and Vitaphone MC 12s topped the timesheets, despite being laden with 'success' ballast.