Monza, 22 September 2024 – The renovated Autodromo Nazionale di Monza set the stage for an electrifying weekend as Maserati swept the podium in Race 1 of the Fanatec GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli. The House of the Trident showcased its racing heritage with three Maserati GT2s securing the top three positions, underlining the marque’s dominance in this prestigious series.
A Historic Triumph in Race 1
The Maserati GT2s captured all three podium places in Race 1, with the LP Racing duo of Leonardo Gorini and Carlo Tamburini clinching victory in the number 1 Maserati GT2. Starting from behind pole-sitter Alexandre Leroy of TFT Racing (number 24), the pair demonstrated remarkable skill and strategy, securing first place after a series of well-executed overtakes. Leroy, though second overall, celebrated his own triumph by winning the AM class, while Philippe Prette, driving the number 2 car for LP Racing, claimed the final podium spot, also finishing runner-up in his class.
The race unfolded dramatically with a safety car early on, allowing Maserati’s GT2s to quickly take control. After the pit stops, Tamburini solidified his lead, finishing ahead of Leroy and Prette to secure an all-Maserati podium – a sight that highlighted the Trident brand’s resurgence in closed-wheel racing.
Race 2: Comebacks and Challenges
Race 2 brought its own set of challenges for the Maserati drivers. Gorini and Tamburini, having faced a setback in qualifying, started from the back of the grid. Undeterred, Tamburini surged through the field, moving into second place after only a few laps. However, fate was less kind to Leroy and Prette. Leroy was forced to retire early after contact with another car at the first chicane, while Prette’s hopes of finishing fourth overall and leading the AM class were dashed by a puncture on the last lap, relegating him to ninth place.
Gorini, taking over from Tamburini mid-race, mounted a remarkable comeback, closing in on the race leader. Though ultimately finishing second, the result keeps Gorini and Tamburini in the hunt for the overall championship, with the final round in Barcelona looming in October.
Maserati’s New GT2 Stradale Shines
Beyond the on-track action, the Monza event was notable for Maserati’s preview of the new Maserati GT2 Stradale, which had been unveiled at the 2024 Monterey Car Week in California. This road-legal super sports car is a synthesis of Maserati’s expertise in performance engineering and design, blending the DNA of the GT2 race car with the iconic styling of the Maserati MC20.
With a top speed of 324 km/h and an uprated 640 hp engine, the GT2 Stradale boasts a blistering 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 2.8 seconds, making it the most agile rear-wheel drive (RWD) car in its class. This new model is not only a tribute to Maserati’s racing pedigree but also a symbol of its commitment to pushing the boundaries of everyday supercar performance.
Accompanying the GT2 Stradale on the Monza circuit was the MCXtrema, Maserati’s latest track-only hypercar. With 740 hp and only 62 units produced, the MCXtrema exemplifies the brand’s focus on exclusivity and performance for the world’s most discerning drivers.
Eyes on Barcelona: The Final Round
As the Fanatec GT2 European Series approaches its grand finale in Barcelona from 11 to 13 October 2024, Maserati’s drivers remain in contention for both the overall and AM class titles. With the promise of more thrilling competition and the possibility of championship victories, the House of the Trident is set to end the season on a high note.
Monza’s all-Maserati podium sweep and the debut of the GT2 Stradale further cement Maserati’s return to racing prominence. The storied Italian marque’s perfect blend of tradition and cutting-edge innovation continues to captivate both racing enthusiasts and supercar aficionados alike.
