Le Castellet, France, 13 April 2025 – The GT2 European Series Powered by Pirelli roared into action this weekend, and Maserati’s presence was felt in a big way. With four Maserati GT2s lining up on the starting grid at the Circuit Paul Ricard for the season opener, the Italian brand showcased its racing pedigree, with Philippe Prette of the LP Racing team taking top honors in the Am Class during Race 1 and Mauro Calamia and Roberto Pampanini finishing third in Race 2.
Prette’s Masterclass in Race 1
Starting the 2025 season with high hopes, Philippe Prette, the reigning Am Class champion, was poised to carry his momentum into the new season. The LP Racing driver, competing with an Italian licence despite hailing from France, took the start from the front row and wasted no time in asserting his dominance in the Am Class.
Prette’s strategy was clear from the moment the lights went out. A perfect getaway from the front row ensured that he stayed within striking distance of the overall leaders throughout the race. Despite a brief shuffle down to fifth position after the pit stops, Prette remained composed and fought his way back to the top of the Am Class, ultimately claiming the victory at the checkered flag. His result reaffirmed the exceptional performance of the Maserati GT2 and set the tone for a promising season ahead.
In the race, the other Maserati GT2s also delivered noteworthy performances. Mauro Calamia, driving for Dinamic Motorsport, put in an impressive effort despite a challenging race. After a penalty for a false start, Calamia and his teammate Roberto Pampanini fought back from ninth place following a second pit stop. Calamia eventually crossed the line in seventh overall, an impressive comeback given the circumstances. Meanwhile, the pair of French drivers, Patrick Charlaix and Jordan Boisson of the TFT Racing team, fought valiantly to finish ninth overall, securing a solid fourth place in the Am Class.
Unfortunately, LP Racing’s #8 Maserati GT2, driven by Anik Patel and Eddie Cheever III, suffered an accident and was forced to retire from Race 1, unable to participate in the second race.
Race 2: A Rain-Soaked Battle
As the rain poured down for Race 2, the weather added an extra layer of complexity to the competition. Calamia, starting from a strong position, quickly settled into fourth place. However, in his pursuit of a podium finish, contact with another competitor led to a spin. Undeterred, Calamia quickly regained his composure, making a spirited recovery as he battled from the back of the pack. At the driver change, Pampanini took over, rejoining the race in fourth place.
Pampanini’s performance was nothing short of stellar. He put in a determined drive to secure third place, capping off a remarkable recovery for the Dinamic Motorsport team and their Maserati GT2. This podium finish further proved the resilience of the Maserati GT2, and their performance at Paul Ricard was a testament to the car’s capability in the most challenging of conditions.
Philippe Prette also had his share of drama in Race 2. Starting from the back of the grid after a drive-through penalty for a contact earlier in the race, Prette fought hard to make his way back up the order. In the end, he managed to finish fourth in the Am Class, ahead of Charlaix and Boisson, who crossed the line in fifth.
Maserati’s Commitment to Performance and Excellence
Maria Conti, Head of Maserati Corse, was understandably pleased with the weekend’s results. “We’re extremely proud to have demonstrated our racing DNA and nature of performance during the opening weekend of the GT2 European Series 2025!” she said. “Seeing four cars on the starting grid, as well as the official Safety Car and Leading Car, makes us proud and epitomises the motorsport nature of our Brand. Now more than ever, we’re delighted to offer our customers, teams, and gentleman drivers a car with character, a perfect synthesis of advanced technology and performance at the highest levels.”
Conti continued, “Seeing the Maserati GT2 compete on the Circuit Paul Ricard and take the lead in the Am Class in Race 1 – confirming the result from the 2024 championship – takes us ahead into another season in which we’re aiming to play a leading role.”
Looking Ahead to Zandvoort
With the season now well underway, all eyes turn to the next round of the GT2 European Series, which will take place in Zandvoort, the Netherlands, from 16 to 18 May. As the competition heats up, Maserati’s performance at Paul Ricard serves as a powerful statement of intent for the rest of the 2025 season. Fans and competitors alike can expect more thrilling action as the Maserati GT2 continues to battle for supremacy in one of the most exciting GT championships in motorsport.
