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Three years
after Maserati phased out their popular Trofeo race series
the Trident announced at the Frankfurt IAA yesterday that
the format will be return next year in a new championship
reserved for identical-specification racers based on the
GranTurismo MC Concept.
Passion,
spectacle, exclusivity and entertainment. Four words that
sum up the essence of the new GranTurismo MC Trofeo, to be
launched in 2010. On the strength of its experience in the
previous editions of Trofeo Europa, Maserati is now able to
offer racing enthusiasts and “gentlemen drivers” among its
customers a championship that is the only one of its kind on
the international motor racing scene.
The GranTurismo
MC Trofeo has preserved the same organisational formula that
contributed to the success of previous editions. By
enrolling in the championship, drivers will acquire a
package of services including all technical and
organisational aspects. Drivers can enter as individual
competitors, or with a team mate. Beginning in
April 2010, the Trofeo will be held on seven dates with two
40-minute races, at Europe’s most prestigious circuits, with
two 40-minutes races per event.
GranTurismo MC Trofeo
The GranTurismo MC
Trofeo is the
evolution of the
GranTurismo MC
Concept, the
prototype car
developed from the
road-going model,
the successful
Maserati GranTurismo
S.
The modifications
applied by the
designers of the
Maserati Design
Centre to the
road-going model, to
develop the race
version, have
improved the
aerodynamic
performance without
affecting the
elegant and sinuous
shape.
The Maserati Corse
technicians have
worked on the
road-going model to
achieve a dramatic
weight reduction,
improving the
dynamic performance
by means of specific
racing-type
components while
keeping the
reliability of the
original design for
the engine, gearbox
and transmission
assembly.
Thanks to the new
ECU mapping, the use
of a new racing-type
exhaust system and a
specific air filter,
the power of the
4,691cc V8 engine
increases to 330.9Kw
(450HP), with a
torque of 510 Nm at
4,750 rpm.
The GranTurismo MC
Trofeo chassis has
been stiffened by
means of an FIA-approved,
welded rollcage.
The aerodynamic
requirements have
determined some
modifications of the
bodywork, fabricated
in composite
material.
The suspension
settings of the
GranTurismo MC
Trofeo have been
adjusted to race
requirements,
maintaining the
optimal weight
balance of the
road-going car.
The car is equipped
with racing-type,
single-rate, dampers
and specific wheels
11”x18” front and
13”x18” rear,
suitable for slick
tyres to maximise
the efficiency on
track.
The braking system
features new
monobloc callipers
and racing-type
steel discs, but, of
course, no ABS.
The Championship
The Trofeo
GranTurismo MC
retains the
organisational
format that has made
previous
championships such a
success.
Registration
provides the
participants with a
full package
including all
organisation and
technical services.
The participants can
enter the Trofeo
GranTurismo MC as
“Single Driver” or
as “Two Drivers
Team” with a
teammate.
Starting in April
2010, the Trofeo
GranTurismo MC will
comprise of seven
events, on
prestigious European
race circuits, with
a pre-season dynamic
test, to allow all
drivers to
familiarise
themselves with the
new car and with the
technical staff.
Each event is based
on 3 days:
- Friday: Free
practice session - 1
x 60’
- Saturday:
Qualifying sessions
- 2 x 20’
- Sunday: Races - 2
x 40’ (38’ + 1 lap)
The entry package
includes:
- Championship
registration (1
pre-season test + 7
races)
- Use of one car for
all races
- Full technical and
logistic support by
the Organisation
- Tyres, petrol and
consumable parts
- Spares and labour
for the car’s
regular maintenance
- Technical
assistance on track
- Access pass and
hospitality for one
driver and one guest
- Reserved parking
- 1 Race apparel kit
and 1 Teamwear kit
- Private sponsors
logo space on the
car (as long as no
conflict with the
official sponsors)
- Availability of
all official
photo/video footage
- Kasko insurance at
special terms
- Possibility to
access to exclusive
“Hospitality
Programs” and
“Promotion Programs”
- Special discounts
on Official Maserati
Collections
Cost of the entry
package:
- 165.000,00€ + tax,
(Single Driver)*
- 185.000,00€ + tax,
(Twin Drivers)*
Maserati Lounge
The Maserati Lounge will feature at all Trofeo GranTurismo MC events.
An exclusive area, dedicated to drivers, their guests, sponsorship partners and Maserati customers.
All guests of the Maserati Lounge will be able to enjoy the catering and open bar services, with assistance on-hand to ensure your full enjoyment of all Trofeo GranTurismo MC activities.
In addition to the services included in the registration package, drivers can purchase the exclusive Maserati Hospitality Programs, to welcome their own guests and sponsorship partners to share in the excitement of the event.
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