Being positive even in times when it is difficult to look to the future is an aspect that renders Andrea Bertolini a driver of great integrity. This was the case after the disappointment of Bahrain and it is the case last Sunday after he saw a top five position overall in the Nürburgring 24 Hours disappear after a back marker rammed Van de Poele. Despite this, the experience on the German circuit for the driver from Sassuolo was positive and one to be repeated.

“The retirement was a real shame," began Bertolini, “as we had demonstrated our potential. If we consider the fact that before fielding the Laboratorio here we had only had one test session at Adria and that we had never tested the car in a race, we can only to be satisfied. The Nordschleife is a special track and one of the most select for GT cars."

Not only is the circuit the only one of its kind, the public here has few equals. “It is an unusual race and just by taking part I understood why my fellow drivers prefer it to Le Mans. From a driver’s point of view, the ‘Schleife’ is complete and there is not a single stretch that I would change. It is demanding for the car and for the driver. Aside from the long Dottinger Hohe straight, the driver has no respite. It is dangerous, I agree, but it is stupendous. We should not forget the fans; they are an essential element for the success of the sport and there are many of them (over 198,000 according to the organisers). It was a real pleasure to see them lining the circuit and flying the Maserati and Vitaphone (sponsor of the GranSport Laboratorio) flags."

Coming back to the race and above all the preparation for this marathon, Bertolini chose not to forget the hard work carried out by his team who worked tirelessly and successfully once more. "Aside from the work of head engineer Giorgio Ascanelli, I would also like to thank Andrea Landi, the engineer, who really pushed the project ahead. I am sorry that we did not claim a good result for the guys who have worked very hard over the past month.
 

“We can say that we have a new car that was set up in a month and which proved to be immediately competitive and reliable. Personally, I think that this is only possible if you have an exceptional and hardworking team like that which created this car. In all honesty, I believe that not even a win would have been enough to pay them back for the enormous work they carried out. I like emphasising this as I think that not all constructors can count on the support of great staff and technicians like those at Maserati Corse!”

The car, the GranSport Laboratorio, has great potential and it adapted well to the difficult challenge on this track. Once more, Bertolini sung its praises. “I have tested many cars in my lifetime and I think I have a lot of experience in this area. What I can say is that the sensations that the Laboratorio transmits on this 25km long circuit is positive and that the performance of the main mechanical components did not dip. This, in races, is fundamental.

"We were fast from the start and also displayed great reliability. We have to remember the innovations introduced on the car. We did not have the slightest problem and, I repeat, this is crucial on a track where the compressions are extreme and the mechanical parts are stressed to the max. The gearbox, for example, astounded me because it seemed so familiar. I really enjoyed myself in the car here and we were never in difficulty. The car was impeccable on the straights and we were consistent and fast. Overall, the project is an excellent one. I believe in it, as does Claudio Berro, to whom I would have liked to dedicate a podium finish. I hope that we can try again next year."