Maserati is back in contention for the GT championship, rocking up in the new GT2.
Guess who's back, back again. Maserati is finally back on track, after the MC12 left the tarmac back in the early 2000s.
Autodromo Varano de’ Melegari was the setting for the car's track debut high-performance GT2, the car that epitomises the House of the Trident’s return to racing.
The shakedown at the Parma circuit is the precursor to a series of events marking the run-up to the official unveiling of the car at the end of June in Belgium, at the 24 Hours of Spa.
Maserati is ready to reawaken with a hungry new car designed to evoke the exploits of its forerunner, the glorious and victorious MC12. The Trident’s has an elite history in motorsport as well, a story of successes spanning almost a century.
This new chapter begun back in late 2022, after the announcement of Maserati’s participation in the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, complemented by its inclusion in the GT2 European Series. This is all part of the Italian marque’s strategy to bring the Trident back on track.
Conceived and designed by Maserati engineering, the Maserati GT2 inherits the same thumping 620bhp (463kW) Nettuno V6 heart from the Maserati MC20. Power is sent via a 6-speed sequential racing gearbox.
Technical boggins include all-new patented MTC (Maserati Twin Combustion) technology based on F1 engines, an ultra-light carbon fibre central monocoque, and lightweight full composite bodywork. Much attention has been given to the development of balanced aerodynamic load, and the chassis features high torsional and bending stiffness.
Power steering is fully electric, and all suspension components of the car are specific racing components. A carbon fibre dashboard and the 10” display integrated into the dashboard result in a futuristic, intuitive cabin.
Andrea Bertolini, Maserati test driver, commented: “The first few days are always quite unique, even more so for me when I was fortunate enough to bring Maserati to success at the GT1 World Championships, where I won four titles. We are now about to get back on track with yet another wonderful car. We’ve done lots of trial runs and early feedback is positive. Getting back behind the wheel of a GT was really exciting, and I could see everyone involved was very enthusiastic and motivated.”
“We've focused on developing a product that not only stands up to its competitors but is also an ideal car for our gentleman drivers in terms of handling, comfort and performance. We want them to experience a unique feeling in this car. In the last few months, we’ve been working intensively in the simulator, courtesy of the commitment of a fantastic team. I'd like to thank them, and the most positive aspect is that to follow these first few days, we’re making it all a reality is to the very greatest extent. We have an intense series of test days ahead of us, to get us ready to get back on track.”
Vai avanti Trident fratelli!