|
The GranSport Trofeo is derived from the model that competes
in the Trofeo Maserati Audemars Piguet Europe. Very small
modifications have been made to prepare the car for an
endurance race, such as strengthening the suspension and
adapting the fuel supply and refuelling systems. Both
GranSports will be equipped with Pirelli tyres. Maserati and
Pirelli renewed their partnership agreement for the next two
seasons just a few weeks ago. With the 24 Hours of
Nürburgring, Maserati continues its long tradition of
participating in endurance races: this culture is based on
the desire to compete and represent the marque in top "long
distance" events, to highlight the quality, reliability and
performance of the Trident products.
Claudio Berro, Director of Maserati Corse, stated that: "The
setting up of the "R&D Factory Team" is proof that Maserati
is trying to test in race conditions the most innovative
technologies to be applied on future models."
"The GranSport Laboratorio - commented Maserati's technical
director, Giorgio Ascanelli - "was developed using the
GranSport GT3 as a base. Some changes have been made to
bring it into line with DMSB-24 Hours of Nürburgring
regulations. It was created in just a few months thanks to
the cutting edge planning system and the vast experience
gained in GT competition. The GranSport Trofeo, on the other
hand, is very close to the standard model and in such a kind
of race it will go through a tough challenge. However, this
is what Maserati is looking for."
Maserati's success in endurance races began in 1939 with a
win in the 500 Miles of Indianapolis with the 8CTF with
Wilbur Shaw behind the wheel. The win was repeated the
following year. Curiously, it was at Nürburgring that
Maserati scored some of the most important wins in its
history: three victories in the demanding 1000 kilometres
(1956, 1960 and 1961). Moss-Behra-Taruffi-Schell (300S),
Moss-Gurney ('Birdcage' Type 61), Gregory-Cassner
('Birdcage' Type 61) were the triumphant crews.
Since 2004, the Maserati brand name has appeared in many
famous endurance racing events. There have been victories at
the 24 Hours of Spa, with Michael Bartels, Timo Scheider and
Eric Van de Poele in the MC12 (Vitaphone Racing Team,) and
in the 6 Hours of Vallelunga, with another MC12 driven by
Davide Mastracci, Leonardo Maddalena and Michele Serafini
(team Racing Box). 8th place in their class was also secured
at Spa by the Maserati Trofeo Light presented by Gianni
Giudici, Diego Romanini and Enzo Raimondi.
There have been good results in the United States too. At
the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2005, Andrea Bertolini, Fabrizio
De Simone and Fabio Babini took 5th place in GT1 class on
board a factory-fielded MC12. The 2004 Daytona 24 Hour
witnessed the return of a Trident car to an international
endurance competition, with Matteo Bobbi, Ralf Kelleners and
Anthony Lazzaro's Maserati Trofeo Light (team Risi
Competizione) finishing the race in 11th position in the GT
category.
|
