Maserati GT2 Makes Racing Debut, Secures Second Place Finish In France
The Maserati MC20-based GT2 recently made its highly anticipated racing debut at the final round of the 2023 Fanatec GT2 European Series at Circuit Paul Ricard in France. The GT2, developed by Maserati Corse, showcased its impressive performance capabilities, securing a second-place finish in its first race.
LP Racing, the first team to compete with the GT2, fielded drivers Leonardo Gorini and Luca Pirri. The GT2 wasted no time in proving its worth, claiming pole position on Friday and delivering an outstanding performance in the first race on Saturday, finishing in second place. In the second race of the weekend, it secured a respectable seventh-place finish.
Head of Maserati Corse, Giovanni Sgro, expressed his satisfaction with the GT2’s debut, stating, “We couldn’t have asked for a better debut. The car today proved to be really competitive, and we are very pleased with this result. For us, getting back on the track is like coming home. Maserati has a long history in racing. It’s something that has always belonged to us and has set us apart.”
Sgro continued, “The Trident’s DNA is made up of passion and competition, which translates to sensational cars dedicated to our series production and challenges on the track. Seeing the Maserati GT2 on the starting grid in a GT championship is a reminder of the Brand’s glorious past, which is once again taking shape and moving us forward into a new era of motorsport, where we once again strive to be one of the big players.”
The Maserati GT2 marks the Italian automaker’s return to GT racing competition after a hiatus since the 2000s when it raced the MC12 and achieved remarkable success, claiming 13 drivers’, constructors’, and teams’ championships.
Based on the road-going MC20, the GT2 is equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. However, unlike the road car, the racer features a six-speed sequential transmission instead of an eight-speed dual-clutch. It also benefits from a bespoke limited-slip differential and two-way adjustable dampers at all four corners. Maserati has also focused on enhancing the car’s aerodynamics, incorporating a revised front fascia with a new splitter and canards, a flat underbody, and a towering rear wing.
The GT2’s performance on the track demonstrates Maserati’s commitment to motorsport and its dedication to producing high-performance vehicles. With its rich racing heritage and a renewed focus on competition, Maserati aims to establish itself as a dominant force in the world of GT racing once again.
The Maserati GT2’s successful debut in France is a promising start for the Italian marque’s return to GT racing. As the season progresses, fans and enthusiasts eagerly await further performances from this formidable racing machine. Maserati’s legacy in motorsport continues to inspire and captivate, and the GT2 represents the next chapter in the brand’s storied racing history.
In conclusion, the Maserati GT2’s racing debut at Circuit Paul Ricard in France was met with great success. The car’s impressive performance, securing a second-place finish in its first race, demonstrates Maserati’s commitment to excellence and its determination to reclaim its position as a leading contender in GT racing. With its advanced technology, aerodynamic enhancements, and powerful engine, the GT2 is poised to make a significant impact on the racing circuit. Maserati enthusiasts and motorsport fans alike eagerly await future races to witness the GT2’s full potential and celebrate the brand’s return to competitive racing.