Bertolini and Bartels pilot the MC12 to the 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship title.
Maserati captured the 2010 International FIA GT World Championship and its fifth Drivers’ and sixth Team’s title in six seasons with the Maserati MC12. The individuals responsible for Maserati’s 2010 success are, for the fourth time, Bertolini-Bartels and the German Vitaphone Racing Team who have captured their sixth title in six years.
Andrea Bertolini with Maserati Stradale and friends.
Maserati’s success story in the FIA GT Championship started in late 2004 when the MC12 competed in four races, outside of the ranking. Success came early as Maserati picked up its first victory in the second race it entered with Bertolini-Salo. Maserati joined forces with the Vitaphone Racing Team the following season, flanked in 2005 by JMB and in 2007 by PlayTeam.
The MC12, with a highly rigid carbon fibre monocoque chassis, excellent weight distribution and superior aerodynamics, has proven to be incredibly competitive and reliable in this FIA series. Its 6-litre V12 engine was originally rated at 750 horsepower, first reduced to 630 horsepower to comply with 2005 FIA regulations, has been reduced to 560 horsepower to meet current specs.
Maserati's participation in the FIA GT since 2005 has produced fourteen titles (and 22 victories): two Constructors' Cups (2005 and 2007), five Drivers' Titles (Bartels-Bertolini in 2006, Thomas Biagi in 2007, and Bartels-Bertolini in 2008, 2009 and 2010, left); six Teams' Titles (consecutively since 2005, by the Vitaphone Racing Team); one Citation Cup in 2007 by gentleman driver Ben Aucott, JMB Racing, in addition to three victories in Spa's 24 Hours (2005, 2006 and 2008).
For more information about the latest, as well as heritage model, Maserati vehicles, please visit, http://www.maserati.com/maserati/en/en/index/models/heritage/sportcars.html