This afternoon, the first test session ended for drivers signed up to take part in the inaugural Trofeo Vodafone Maserati, the one make series which signals a return to racing for the Trident marque cars. 

Twenty drivers took part, representing four different nations (Italy, France, Switzerland and Germany.) They took turns in going out on the track in two groups. Fifteen Maserati Trofeo cars were on hand, all fitted with Pirelli tyres. Before being entrusted to the drivers, they were given a shakedown by Andrea Bertolini, the Ferrari Granturismo test driver. 

The test session also served as an exam for those drivers who were novices on a race track and were observed by the Federal School of the CSAI in order to be assessed for a competition license. 

We have had two days of very interesting testing - said the head of Maserati Corse, Claudio Berro. - "The Trofeo proved itself to be very manageable in any situation, reacting consistently to driver input and performing reliably. In three weeks, on 11th and 12th March, the second test session takes place for those drivers who have signed up, again at Vallelunga. Then the twenty six competitors will meet up at the Circuit de Catalunya, near Barcelona over the weekend of 4th to 6th April, for the first of the seven races which make up the Trofeo Vodafone Maserati". 

Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd February are the dates of the first test session at Vallelunga for drivers competing in the first ever series of the Maserati Trophy, the one make championship which will see the Trident-badged cars take to the track. 

Twenty drivers will be taking part, representing four countries: Italy, France, Switzerland and Germany. Participants will be divided into two groups with fifteen Maserati Trofeo cars at their disposal, which were given a shakedown on 17th February at the Fiorano circuit in the hands of Andrea Bertolini, test driver for the Ferrari Granturismo department. 

To date, the Maserati dealer network has received around fifty requests from people wishing to take part in the Trophy, of which twenty six will be eligible to race. 

The next test session will also be held at Vallelunga, on 11th and 12th March. The first of the seven race meetings takes place at the Circuit de Catalunya, near Barcelona on the weekend of 4th to 6th April. 
 

15.01.2003  MASERATI GEARS UP FOR RACING RETURN AS TROFEO SERIES FILLS OUT
13.01.2003  ITALIAN CARS AT THE AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL MOTORSPORTS SHOW AT THE BIRMINGHAM NEC 
10.12.2002  MASERATI CONFIRM TALKS WITH AUDI AS TROFEO STARS AT BOLOGNA MOTOR SHOW