Three Maserati MC12s Speed Into The First Three Positions in The GT1 Class
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May 19, 2007
Three Maserati MC12s sped into the first three positions in the GT1 class. A pole place was also claimed in the Citation Cup to complete an exceptional day’s results in the qualifying session at Bucharest. The session was held in late afternoon on a dry track.
The Playteam Sarafree MC12s held an internal duel over pole. In the end it was Alessandro Pier Guidi (1’14”214) who got the better of Andrea Bertolini (1’14”587). This was Pier Guidi’s first pole in the FIA GT, a placing he obtained also thanks to the performance of his Pirelli tyres. They proved to be consistent and held up very well in all the sessions. This is also the first time that Playteam Sarafree has occupied both front row spots.
Third was taken by Christian Montanari, at the wheel of the Vitaphone Racing Team MC12. The driver from San Marino raced an error-free lap (1’14”697), that puts him in a good position to do well tomorrow.
The other Vitaphone Racing Team MC12 was driven in qualifying by Fabrizio Gollin, Michael Bartel’s replacement in the MC12. He stopped the clock at 1’15”493. Gollin was hindered by the 40kg ballast that the FIA’s Bureau had imposed on the number 1 car following Thomas Biagi’s win in the Tourist Trophy two weeks ago.
In the Citation Cup, reserved to gentleman drivers, pole position went to the MC12 with Macari/Aucott duo on board (1’19”663). The pair beat off the challenge of the Cloet/Kuismanen Corvette C5R (1’19”774) and the other MC12, driven by Waaijenberg/ Kutemann.
In the light of these results, tomorrow’s race promises to be an interesting one. However, the expected rain and the entry of the safety car (as often happens in races that provide back up to a main event) makes the event a tough one to call.
The race will get underway at 14.15 local time. It will be broadcast live in Italy on SkySport 2 (Sky channel 202) from 15.15.
Alessandro Pier Guidi: “I am very happy with pole as this is my first outing on a city circuit and because it is only my third race in this championship. I think that it is a great result for the team to have two cars on the front row, for Maserati and Pirelli. The tyres were fundamental in this result. Starting on pole is an advantage here as the road section is not very wide and does not aid overtaking”.
Andrea Bertolini: “Seeing three Maseratis in the top three places in qualifying is fabulous, even though I am a little unhappy not to have taken pole. The car has good traction, a very important factor on this track, together with agility. Our MC12 handles well in the chicanes and we can also count on the fine performance of the Pirelli tyres. They have been quick and consistent throughout the weekend. I have high hopes for the race tomorrow, one in which it will be important to win some points in order to close the gap on the leading drivers. I will be doing everything to defend my title”.
Christian Montanari: “In truth it is not easy to find the limit on a city circuit given that there are no run off areas and that accidents are just waiting to happen. This morning the weather made carrying out our preparations difficult. However, we managed to complete a good programme of work. I am pleased for the team and for Maserati. Three cars in the top three places in qualifying is a fantastic result! ”
