The 60th edition of the Spa 24 Hours was celebrated by Maserati this afternoon after an amazing one-two finish by the Vitaphone Racing MC12s while the similar machine run by JMB Racing finished in fourth place.

The 60th edition of the Spa 24 Hours was celebrated by Maserati this afternoon after an amazing one-two finish by the Vitaphone Racing MC12s while the similar machine run by JMB Racing finished in fourth place. The Bertolini/Bartels/Van de Poele/Sarrazin crew cruised to victory to cross the line ahead of their team mates Ramos/Negraõ/Pier Guidi/Lemeret.

The two MC12s fielded by the German outfit took command just as the six hour mark came up, the first of the three stages where championship points are awarded. Before that, the race had not been an easy one but the Maseratis' pace left the sensation that a night time attack was on the cards. The light but troublesome rain would have disrupted these plans as the weather prevented the drivers from mounting wets but made the cars hard to control on slicks.

But courtesy of a spot on strategy of a 'splash and go' for Bertolini, and a refuel and tyre change for Negraõ, the Bertolini/Bartels crew, ably assisted by Stephane Sarrazin and Eric Van de Poele, managed to take the lead and extend their advantage in the Drivers' standings. The MC12 crew also benefited from the retirement of Wendlinger/Sharp/Muller/Lichtner and the problems suffered by Deletraz/Hezemans/Gollin/Fassler. This part of the race was significant and, thanks to the skill of its drivers, the number 1 MC12 built a big lead over the pack, tracked all the way by its twin car with which it had a close duel.

From the ninth to the eighteenth hour, the two cars swapped the lead. All the while, the JMB Racing MC12 climbed to fourth thanks to Aucott/Ferte/Daoudi's steady drive. The tense struggle between the two leading Maseratis would have continued to excite the public had the number 2 MC12 not been forced into an unexpected pit stop. Up until that point, the duel had been a close one.

So, when the chequered flag was shown 24 hours after the start, the Vitaphone Racing Team had a few reasons to celebrate. Thanks to the fact that points awarded in the Belgian classic are worth double, Bertolini/Bartels stetch their lead in the Drivers' championship to a commanding 13 points over their team mates, Ramos/ Negraõ. The German squad now has 75 points in the Team standings with Phoenix Carsport Racing, their closest pursuers, on 42.5. Eric Van de Poele can take particular pleasure from topping the podium at the 24 Hours of Spa: in his long career, he has done so five times. No one before him can boast this record.

For Maserati, the special bond between the MC12 and the Ardenne track goes on. The famous one-two from 2005 was followed by the 2006 victory. Then came the show of strength in 2007 when four MC12s finished in the top seven. Last year, the win was snatched away just an hour from the end of the race. With today's triumph, the Modenese GTs have got back to winning ways at Spa.

Andrea Bertolini: “It was an incredible victory, easy only if analysed superficially because up to the middle of the race we fought against fast, aggressive adversaries. I can’t tell you if this success is better than the one in 2006, all that matters is that my name is in this race’s honour’s list. I thank the team and Maserati for the opportunity I was given and I dedicate this success to Roberto Ronchi, who is leaving Maserati, and I welcome Harald Wester who is joining us now.”

Michael Bartels: “It’s difficult to find the words to comment such a result. Nevertheless I’d like to say that we made all the right choices in this 24 Hours, starting with the drivers that were brought here, and then the hard work preparing the vehicles in Germany and in Modena, Italy, after the Oschersleben race. We’ve won three times in four years with the MC12, and this means that the team works well together and knows how to face great competitions.”

Stephane Sarrazin: “I believe I did a good job during the night stints when we had to catch up with Maserati no. 2. I felt immediately at home with the car and the team. I have to say that to me, winning the 24 Hours is a dream and I have to thank Bartels for calling me and the team for their great work.”

Eric van de Poele: “This victory effectively blots out last’s year’s bad memories, when I threw away certain victory. Being the driver who has had the greatest number of victories here at Spa 24 Hours (5) gives me great satisfaction. I was able to achieve this thanks to Bartels and to the work of the entire team. I want to dedicate this victory to Paul Frère, a great driver and reporter who passed away in February. He could be considered the spiritual father of all Belgian drivers.”