In a stunning spectacle at Circuit Paul Ricard, the Maserati GT2 made its inaugural appearance on the racetrack alongside LP Racing. It secured a podium finish in the final leg of the 2023 Fanatec GT2 European Series.
Hailing from Modena, Italy, the Maserati GT2, a recent addition to the brand’s repertoire of track-oriented sports cars, was unveiled during the closing stages of the 24 Hours of Spa in late June. Its maiden voyage in competitive racing took place at the Circuit Paul Ricard, where it showcased its prowess in the hands of drivers Leonardo Gorini and Luca Pirri, representing LP Racing. Notably, LP Racing emerged as the pioneering team to field a Trident-badged vehicle in this arena. The Maserati GT2 immediately made waves with its exceptional performance throughout the race weekend, securing pole position on Friday and clinching the second spot on the podium in Race 1 on Saturday. In Race 2, it secured a commendable top-ten finish, claiming seventh place. This debut performance evoked fond memories of Maserati’s illustrious racing heritage.
As anticipation builds for the 2024 season, this new racing marvel, entirely crafted in Modena, is poised to compete in the championship dedicated to the most captivating and high-performance grand touring cars.
The foray into the European series marks Maserati’s triumphant return to GT competition, reminiscent of its dominance in the 2000s with the formidable MC12, which amassed an impressive tally of 13 titles across Constructors’, Teams’, and Drivers’ Championships.
A worthy successor to its legendary predecessor, the Maserati GT2 is a testament to performance excellence, following in the footsteps of its illustrious forebear and the Maserati MC20 super sports car. Sharing the extraordinary Nettuno V6 Twin Turbo engine with its spiritual sibling, the GT2 elevates performance to new heights, ready to tackle the challenges of the racing circuit.
Maserati’s resurgence in GT competition marks a significant milestone in its racing legacy. With a new Brand racing strategy unveiled in late 2022, Maserati has boldly ventured into the most prestigious realms of international motorsport in 2023. This strategic move signifies a bridging of past, present, and future, reaffirming Maserati’s enduring legacy in motorsport.
Davide Grasso, CEO of Maserati, remarked, “Maserati’s return to GT competition heralds another chapter in the annals of thrilling and ambitious motorsport endeavors. It underscores our relentless pursuit of challenges, aimed at eliciting the emotions of driving. The Maserati GT2 embodies our vision for the brand’s future in the realm of racing.”
Giovanni Sgro, Head of Maserati Corse, expressed satisfaction with the GT2’s debut performance, stating, “We couldn’t have asked for a better debut. The car has proven its competitiveness, and we are delighted with the outcome. Returning to the track feels like returning home for us. Racing is deeply ingrained in Maserati’s DNA, characterized by passion and competition, resulting in remarkable cars for both road and track. Witnessing the Maserati GT2 on the grid is a testament to the brand’s storied past, shaping our journey into a new era of motorsport.”
Maserati S.p.A.
Maserati boasts a comprehensive lineup of distinctive automobiles renowned for their unparalleled character. Their blend of style, technology, and exclusivity captivates the most discerning tastes, setting the standard for the global automotive industry. Each model reflects a tradition of excellence, redefining the essence of Italian sports cars in terms of design, performance, comfort, elegance, and safety. Presently available in over 70 markets worldwide, Maserati’s flagship models include the Quattroporte, Ghibli, Levante—the brand’s first SUV—and the Grecale, an “everyday exceptional” SUV. These models feature a range of powertrains, including 4-cylinder hybrid engines for select models, V6 and V8 petrol engines, and both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, embodying the performance ethos of the Trident Brand. The Grecale Folgore, Maserati’s inaugural full-electric SUV, further enhances the lineup. At the pinnacle of the range are the MC20 super sports car and the MC20 Cielo spyder, powered by the groundbreaking 100% Maserati Nettuno V6 engine, integrating Formula 1-derived technologies into a production car for the first time. Additionally, the new GranTurismo offers a potent V6 petrol engine derived from the Nettuno and a 100% electric variant, the GranTurismo Folgore, marking a historic milestone for the Modena-based marque. By 2025, all Maserati models will offer full-electric versions, with the entire range transitioning to electric power by 2030.