Trofeo Maserati GranTurismo MC 2010 - Monza (I) - Race 1-2

Sergio Rota is the First Leader in the New Trofeo Maserati

Stefano Rota is at the top of the standings now that the first round of the new Trofeo Maserati GranTurismo MC is over, thanks to a victory and a fourth place in the two races held this weekend in Monza. Twenty-one teams were lined up at the starting line, at the wheel of fourteen GranTurismo MC Trofeo (run by Maserati Corse) and seven GranTurismo MC GT4, backed by private teams who are competing in a special classification. As for the nationality of the competitors, eight different countries were represented.

The winner of race 1, Rota, actually reached the finish line second, behind Ivan Capelli, who however did not get points as he was participating in the race as a Maserati VIP-guest. Sharing the podium with Rota were Pietro Zumerle and Marco Petrini, who took advantage of Paolo Necchi's mishap a few laps prior to the end of the race due to a flat tire.

Rota and Capelli were also protagonists in the subsequent 40' race; while the ex-Formula 1 driver was attempting to pass Rota, a problem forced him to a long brake, which resulted in contact with Rota's vehicle. Capelli was the one who suffered the worst consequences of that clash as he had to leave the track. Rota lost a few positions, but after a brilliant recovery, he was able to pass the checkered flag in fourth place. At this point the struggle for reaching the finish line first became an exclusive effort of Manuel Villa and Peter Sundberg, settled only by viewing the photo finish, which gave the Swedish driver the advantage at the conclusion of an exciting battle made up of passing maneuvers.

It was indeed a triumphant weekend for Stefano Gai in the Maserati GranTurismo MC GT4 standings. His performance earned him two pole positions and two victories. In the first race he beat Alessandro Pier Guidi (despite going off the track at the first curve, he managed to recover) and Marco Coldani. During the second 40' race, Gai had to defend himself from the attacks of French driver Jonathan Sicart. Swiss driver Ronnie Kessel was third; he dedicated his place at the podium to his father, who passed away last week.

Sergio Rota (Trofeo): "I still hadn't tried out the car, but I have to admit that by the end of the free practices I already felt very comfortable with it. The GranTurismo MC Trofeo is amazing".

Peter Sundberg (Trofeo): "Manuel Villa and I livened up the race, especially during the last laps. I practically won by a hair's breadth. The championship is so exciting because drivers race with very close times".

Stefano Gai (GT4): "The first race was calmer and I tried to consolidate my advantage. In the following race, however, a problem with the gears slowed me down and I lost ground to Sicart, who passed me. Then everything sorted itself out, I regained my position and got to the finish line first".

The second round of the Trofeo Maserati GranTurismo MC is scheduled for 20 June in Zolder, Belgium. Maserati will once again organize brand-promoting activities for its customers during the Trofeo.