30 August 2005

FIA GT - RACE - OSCHERSLEBEN, 28 AUGUST 2005

ANOTHER ONE-TWO FOR MASERATI

Race:

Weather: clear, dry track
Circuit length: 3,667 m

It was another one-two for Maserati after the success at Spa. This weekend witnessed the series move on to Oschersleben in Germany. The Modena house is now even closer to the mathematical lead in the Constructors' Cup.

At the end of an exciting race the Fabio Babini/Thomas Biagi crew secured their first win of the season. They edged out Andrea Bertolini and Karl Wendlinger, who have now extended their lead in the drivers' championship.

Three Italians were on the podium and so the Vitaphone Racing Team maintains the lead in the team championship ahead of the JMB Racing team.
Behind the two MC12s came the Corvette Hezemans/Longin/Kumpen crew. They came in just in front of the Saleen with Gounon/Lechner in the driving seat. It was a good fifth spot for the Philipp Peter/Arjan van der Zwaan/Marcello Zani JMB Racing MC12. They preceded the team GPC 575, the Labre 550 and the team Reiter Lamborghini Murcielago. Zani was making his debut in the Trident car.

The home team formed of Michael Bartels and Timo Scheider were unlucky after having led for most of the race. They were forced to retire following a problem with the starter, this after they were called to the pits by race officials.
At the start the GLPK Racing Corvette split the two Vitaphone MC12s on the front row. Bartels took the lead early on. Hezemans then took top spot and then Babini after a tight duel when the pit stops began.In the meantime, Peter had taken fourth place after two great overtaking moves on Gounon and Piccini. Bertolini/Wendlinger started from eighth but made a superb comeback that saw them finish second on the very last lap. At the second round of pit stops, after two hours, Bartels/Scheider left the scene. Babini took the place of Biagi, who had re-taken the Corvette. He maintained top spot until the chequered flag.

The Italian pairing took the win at the end. They were very quick and lucky here but have been unlucky in the previous races.

Bertolini/Wendlinger's consistent form was rewarded despite the 100kg of ballast on board.

Fabio Babini: "It was important after Spa to win points and keep in touch with the leaders. We managed to claim the first win of the season. I would like to thank the team, Pirelli and Maserati as they did their all to obtain this result."

Thomas Biagi: "It was the second win on this circuit after having won in 2003. We had a great duel with the Corvette. It was a shame that Bartels/Scheider retired. We wanted to score a Vitaphone one-two here in Germany for our sponsors and the fans."

Andrea Bertolini: "Owing to the 100kg ballast and the problems in finding the right set up, we are very pleased. We were very consistent and have increased our lead overall. I would also like to thank Pirelli."

Karl Wendlinger: "It was difficult to overtake on this track. I didn't think I would get such a good result after qualifying. When I saw the Corvette ahead of me a few laps from the end, I pushed as much as possible and managed to overtake it."

After Spa and Bertolini/Wendlinger's victory at Magny Cours, it is the third win of the season for Maserati-Pirelli. The MC12s race in the FIA GT on Pirelli tyres, as they do in the North American ALMS series. This collaboration is further confirmation of the success of the relationship between Maserati and Pirelli. The proof of this are the wins in the Italian GT championship and the Trofeo Maserati Vodafone Europa.

Photographs are available on the internet at: www.media.maserati.com and www.maseraticorse.com.

Media contacts:
Al Clarke
Communications Director
Ferrari Maserati UK Ltd
e-mail: aclarke@maserati.co.uk

Silvia Pini
Media Relations Manager
Ferrari Maserati UK Ltd
e-mail: spini@maserati.co.uk

Jason Harris
Press Officer
Ferrari Maserati UK Ltd
e-mail: jharris@maserati.co.uk