Maserati Trofeo at BIC

GrayTT · #1 01-09-2012, 10:38 AM

Maserati Trofeo at BIC
It was Speed Weekend at Bahrain International Circuit this past weekend and wow it did not disappoint! I really enjoyed this new series that was launched on May 17th

Quote:

MASERATI LAUNCHES THE MASERATI TROFEO JBF RAK MIDDLE EAST
17/05/2011 - Dubai
Today marks a new date in the history of motorsport in the Middle East as Maserati launches the Maserati Trofeo one-make racing championship in the region.

The series is backed by the Maserati factory in Modena, Italy and will feature up to 16 mechanically-identical Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo race cars battling it out over 12 races across the Middle East.

This spectacular championship is set to visit the most prestigious racing circuits around the region with races planned to take place at Formula One tracks in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain as well as Qatar's Losail Circuit and the Dubai Autodrome in the UAE.

Gentlemen drivers from across the Middle East are able to sign up for the 'arrive-and-drive' championship. The cars are supplied and maintained by Maserati to ensure identical performance across the grid. The Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo has already proved its race capabilities in the region after two cars were entered into the 2010-2011 UAE GT Championship and secured three race victories out of a total of six podium finishes.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo is the racing version of the GranTurismo road car. The race car's set up is tuned for the track use, keeping the optimal weight balance of the road-going car. It is powered by a 488bhp 4.7-litre V8 engine which drives the rear wheels through a paddle-shift gearbox which is able to change gears in just 60milliseconds.

Packages on offer to drivers allow them to compete individually or in a pair for the season. All- inclusive costs range from $135,000 to $145,000 depending on the options chosen. The packages include the logistical management of the car, technical assistance at the circuit, a Maserati Trofeo race suit and VIP hospitality for driver and guests.

The formula for each race weekend will consist of two free practice sessions lasting 40 minutes, two qualifying sessions of 20 minutes and two races of 30 minutes duration.

Umberto Cini, Managing Director of Maserati Middle East & Africa, is looking forward to the championship. "The launch of the Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK Middle East is extremely important for the company, as it's the first time we offer the Trofeo outside its home in Europe. With full support from the factory, we believe the Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK Middle East offers a unique platform for drivers in the region who are looking for a competitive championship racing with the exclusive benefits of racing with a brand like Maserati."

Cheerag Arya, CEO of JBF RAK, had this to say of the championship. "We are very happy to be part of this exciting new milestone for Maserati. As an exclusive brand, Maserati is recognised for its prestigious cars and we look forward to the arrival of the Trofeo Championship to the Middle East."

The Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK Middle East is set to debut in November 2011, with races taking place
throughout the winter months into early 2012.

To find out more about the Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK Middle East championship please call +971 (0) 4 701 7650 or e-mail info-mea@maserati.com.