Maserati GT2 Completes First Shakedown at Varano

The Maserati MC20 GT2 has completed its first shakedown at the Varano circuit in Italy.

Official test driver Andrea Bertolini put the new car through its first miles in an Italian flag-inspired camouflage livery, kicking off a wider testing program that is set to culminate with homologation for SRO Motorsports Group’s GT2 platform.

Former GT1 and GT4 manufacturer Maserati announced its return to sports car racing last July, in addition to an ABB FIA Formula E World Championship program.

At that time, the Italian marque projected that it would roll out the GT2 for the first time in February, with a view to joining the Fanatec GT2 European Series grid later in the year.

Maserati, which is part of the Stellantis automotive group, intends to reveal the customer-focused product to the public at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa in late June.

“The first few days are always quite unique, even more so for me when I was fortunate enough to bring Maserati to success at the GT1 World Championships, where I won four titles,” Bertolini said.

“We are now about to get back on track with yet another wonderful car. We’ve done lots of trial runs and early feedback is positive.

“Getting back behind the wheel of a GT was really exciting, and I could see everyone involved was very enthusiastic and motivated.”

The Maserati MC20 GT2 is being developed for a platform that is designed for non-professional drivers. Maserati is one of seven manufacturers to join SRO GT2 so far alongside Porsche, Audi, KTM, Lamborghini, Brabham Automotive and Mercedes-AMG.

“We’ve focused on developing a product that not only stands up to its competitors but is also an ideal car for our gentleman drivers in terms of handling, comfort and performance,” Bertolini added.

“We want them to experience a unique feeling in this car.

“In the last few months, we’ve been working intensively in the simulator, courtesy of the commitment of a fantastic team.

“I’d like to thank them, and the most positive aspect is that to follow these first few days, we’re making it all a reality is to the very greatest extent. We have an intense series of test days ahead of us, to get us ready to get back on track.”