Trofeo Maserati GranTurismo MC 2011 - Monza (I) - Presentation of Round 2

Twenty-two crews will be lining up for the event and there is a growing number of women drivers involved. As well as Hungarian Anita Toth, Agnese Piazzalunga makes a return after last year’s drive on the same track. This time she will be alongside journalist Paolo Ciccarone in the Radio Monte Carlo car. Completing the female line-up is Swiss Andrina Grugger who was the first woman to drive a single-seater in the GP3 Series.

Also appearing will be motor-racing fan and well-known reporter from TV’s Striscia La Notizia, Jimmy Ghione. Ghione is another driver making a comeback after turning out at a number of meets in the past Trofeo Maserati seasons.

David Baldi will be out to defend his championship lead at Monza. The Tuscan dominated in the first round, held at Imola. Baldi’s splendid one-two topped off a weekend in which he took pole position and posted the fastest lap times in both races. At Monza we will find out whether he continues this run of form or whether the pack manages to close the gap. Stefano Gai, second overall and 11 points back, will be looking to repeat his 2010 success in the GranTurismo MC GT4 category. He will also be anxious to put the disappointing Imola result behind him.

Things are a little more even in the Team standings with the top three teams within a few points of each other.Lorenzo Casè, appearing for the leading Swiss Team, will be hoping to extend their lead over AF Corse’sSbirrazzuoli/Chionna pairing and Swiss driver Olivier Doeblin, representing Scuderia Jolly Club.

The races will be beamed live on Nuvolari, available on digital terrestrial channel 222, and on Sky.

As for every round, RMC, Radio Monte Carlo is the Trofeo’s media partner and the weekly ‘RMC motori and “RMC Music & Sport” will plug the event. More information, updates, interviews, a photogallery and videos can be accessed in the Blog Sport section at www.radiomontecarlo.net.

The video clips will be available on the days immediately after the race at www.thenewsmarket.com whilewww.maseraticorse.com will publish in-depth articles and driver interviews throughout the weekend.

The programme
Friday 13 May
13.45 – 14.25 Free practice 1
16.30 – 17.10 Free practice 2
Saturday 14 May
14.50 – 15.10 Qualifying 1
15.30 – 15.50 Qualifying 2
Sunday 15 May
09.50 – 10.30 Race 1 (38’ + 1 lap)
16.20 – 17.00 Race 2 (38’ + 1 lap)