Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello, Luca Badoer and Luciano Burti had all contributed to thedevelopment of the car last year and now it was the turn of Scuderia Ferrari's new test driver to give it a final run prior to the start of the Trofeo Vodafone Maserati Europe series. 

The Brazilian was impressed with the car, based on the road-going Coupé Cambiocorsa and its handling on the "Riccardo Paletti" track, after his first session at the wheel. 

"I think the car reaches an excellent compromise between driveability and performance. This is very important, because the new one-make series is aimed at drivers with limited experience, who nevertheless want to get as much of the feeling of racing as possible," said Massa. "On a personal level, I am also very happy to have my name associated with the return to racing of such a famous name as Maserati." 

The opening race of the first ever Trofeo Vodafone Maserati Europe takes place on 6th April in Barcelona (Spain) as part of the FIA GT championship meeting. Twenty six cars will start, representing five nations (Italy, France, Germany, Great Britain and Switzerland) chosen from over fifty entry requests received through the dealer network.