Wednesday 1st September 2004

25 x MC12

Road going Maserati supercars shown to FIA

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Maserati has presented to the FIA the 25 MC12 road versions, ready to be delivered to customers, alongside three racing models: the car unveiled in  March 2004 at the Geneva Show and the two that will make the MC12’s debut in Imola for AF Corse.

Martin Leach, Chief Executive of Maserati said, "The history of Maserati is one of sporting success, splendid and fascinating cars combined with exclusive customers. We have completed the series of 25 MC12 road cars and they are ready for delivery to clients, whilst the track cars in which we will make our racing return to an international championship are being prepared. It is an important, historic moment."

The drivers are very confident:  "The road going car and the race spec car are very similar - says Andrea Bertolini - The MC12 is a very easy vehicle to drive and one in which it is easy to find the limit. We work well with Mika Salo. We completed the last three tests together and, most significantly, we gave the technicians similar feedback on the car." The Finnish driver agrees, "It’s quite exciting. It’s been a very busy testing session and I think we should be ready for the race. It’s a very comfortable car to drive, very well balanced, very comfortable especially for the long run".

The other duo is formed by Johnny Herbert and Fabrizio De Simone. "I am more than satisfied - says Herbert - because we signed the agreement a few days ago and the first test at Mugello went extremely well. The MC12 is a pleasant car to drive. Comfort is very important in races of this type. A car has to be set up in two specific ways for two different drivers and I think that the perfect combination has been found." The same impression of Fabrizio de Simone, "The first sensation is that the MC12 is an extremely precise and reliable car to drive. What I found was that it was easy to establish the right feeling with this car. The car is an exceptional one to drive."

[Stig]

Good range of colours

[luca brazzi]

Stunning !

I shot the car at the motorshow in Birmingham ...absolutely incredible.







LB

[gemini]

one sexy looking motor

so sexy its a masser that could make even flasher look good

[97BlackC5]

Are they intending to run in either the ALMS or ELMS GTS class against the Corvettes, as they look more like the Audi's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dick dastardly]

Yum. That black one at the bottom WILL be mine!

I didn't see it at the motor show, should have looked harder

[Dakkon]

I thought all the other teams were getting upset as Maserati have created a road going racer to win the series and they think its 'Not in the spirit' of the sport or something like that?

Stunning car though....

[tuffer]

I will take 4!

[DustyC]

The way they do things is certainly impressive.
Seen the interior of the racing class cars?

TVR and the Brit companies should take note of some of this.

[TUS 373]

Fab looking cars, looks like Maserati are back at doing what they do best.

[cydaps]

Have a look at the last picture, lovely headpiece the gent in the middle is wearing!

Cars look great though!

[Frik]

Dakkon said:

I thought all the other teams were getting upset as Maserati have created a road going racer to win the series and they think its 'Not in the spirit' of the sport or something like that? Stunning car though....

Just like the Porsche GT1 and Merc CLK did a few years ago...

Saw it at Goodwood IIRC. Very nice in the carbon.