

Maserati’s GranTurismo Mc GT3 is attending the Balance of Performance GT3 test at the Michelin test circuit at Ladoux over the next two days.

Starting from June, following ratification by the World Motor Sport Council (FIA), the Maserati coupé will become available to teams and can take part at international level in all series, including the FIA GT Series and the Blancpain Endurance Series.

The operation has been spearheaded by Swiss Team, who was given permission by Maserati following previous successful collaborations. Led by Guido Bonfiglio, the Swiss team began developing the GranTurismo Mc GT3 version at the end of 2011 and last year made a first version of the coupè, submitting it for first shake down in May and then using it as a test car for preparation of the definitive vehicle.

Development of the GranTurismo MC GT3, under the technical direction of former F1 engineer Giuseppe Angiulli, with assistance from Sergio Beccio (aerodynamic), Carlo Facetti (engine), Patrick Galasso (electronic), also drew on the team’s experience with the Quattroporte Evo, which has a similar layout.

“We wanted to develop the Maserati GranTurismo MC GT3 version because we believe it is a winning project, stimulating for all involved,” said Guido Bonfiglio. “We are perfectly aware of the difficulties we’ll face in tackling such an ambitious project, but challenges are the heart of a team’s dynamics, whether on the track or the design table. Our direct competitors are manufacturers who, disguised to a greater or lesser degree, participate directly in the development of the vehicles and actual racing; we are a small outfit but we have great hopes of being a thorn in the side of these giants of motor sport.”

An unprecedented 13 brands are attending the test which verifies and balances the performance of all models admitted to the championships, ensuring more equal competition.