The Estoril circuit was the setting for three days of intense testing for the Vitaphone Racing with the German team covering over 2,500 km during the three days with the main focus being on tyres.

Portugal’s Estoril circuit was the setting for three days of intense testing for the Vitaphone Racing Team. The test session took place between 16-18 February and the German team, winners of the past three FIA GT1 Team titles, focused especially on developing the Michelin tyres.

Four drivers took turns behind the wheel of the Maserati MC12 GT1 during the three day session: Andrea Bertolini, Michael Bartels, Miguel Ramos and Alexander Negrão.

Andrea Bertolini and Michael Bartels will once again pair up this year as they did when winning the 2006 FIA GT championship. The young Brazilian and GP2 star, Alexander Negrão, was evaluated by the Vitaphone Racing Team as a partner for Miguel Ramos but that no decision has yet been taken.

The tests were judged a success by both the team and drivers as they allowed the Maserati MC12 and the Michelin tyres to be given a good workout in all weather conditions. On Saturday, on a dry track, the two cars covered 267 laps; on Sunday with the track surface wet after a violent storm, 180 laps were run. The final day, Monday, saw 176 laps notched up as the circuit slowly dried out.

The overall distance covered was 2,602 km but the MC12 suffered no technical problems, further confirmation of its famed reliability.