On June 20th Maserati started testing the Trofeo car at the Fiorano test track. The car is a development of the new Coupé Cambiocorsa and incorporates a series of modifications for the track, including specific spring and damper ratings, racing bucket seat, full safety roll cage, bigger wheels and tyres and a specially modified engine management unit.
With this test, Maserati commences a programme that will see the marque return to the track in the near future. The “Trofeo Maserati” will start in 2003 and counts 7 rounds, in the most important tracks of Italy, France, Germany, Spain and England.
Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro’s tester Luciano Burti, drove the car from 11.30 to 18.30. He completed 50 laps and the best chrono was 1.26.605.
“The first impression? We worked step by step on the car, testing different solutions and new things, like the rear wing, without any problem” – said Burti. “We are at the beginning of the development of this car, but we are very satisfied with the job we are doing”.
21st of June 2002 - second day of testing this week for the Maserati Cambiocorsa Trofeo. Once again, Luciano Burti was driving today. The Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro's test driver continued with development work on the car, covering 65 completely trouble-free laps. His best time on the day was 1’25.093.
In the afternoon, President Montezemolo came to the track and talked with Burti and the Maserati engineers. The President made the most of his visit by doing a few laps behind the wheel.
"I am very happy to have been able to try the Maserati Cambiocorsa Trofeo. The car has great brakes, good road holding and is handy to drive," said Burti. "The outcome of the past two days of testing is definitely very positive. Of course, there is still a lot of work to do, which is what one would expect at this stage, but the Maserati engineers know exactly what they need to do."
Development testing of the Maserati Cambiocorsa Trofeo will resume next week, when Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro’s other test driver, Luca Badoer will also get behind the wheel.
Story and photo: Maserati press