Maserati transfer of ownership from Ferrari to Fiat

Maserati transfer of ownership from Ferrari to Fiat

Fiat announces that the ownership of Maserati, currently wholly owned by Ferrari, will be transferred as soon as practicable to Fiat.

The move forsees that Alfa Romeo and Maserati will co-operate closely technically and commercially - particularly in important international markets.

Maserati will, however, continue its co-operation with Ferrari – especially in industrial, technical, engine and sales network terms – which has helped re-vitalise the marque.
“This is a significant step forward for both Maserati and Alfa Romeo. The synergies between the two marques will bring benefits to both and will allow us to strengthen our portfolio offering in the sports car market” said Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Chairman of Fiat and of Ferrari. “Maserati is now at a significant point in its development. In 2004 it achieved substantial sales growth to 4,600 cars and received tremendously positive international acclaim of its Quattroporte model.”

“This move is essential to the future development of Alfa Romeo” said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat. “We believe that as part of the re-launch of Fiat Auto, we need to devote great attention to the distinctiveness of our brands. The technical and commercial collaboration between Maserati and Alfa Romeo will give the latter the necessary impetus to re-establish itself as a leading contender in its segment and to expand its presence in international markets, as has occurred for Maserati.”

Turin, February 16, 2005

MC12 - Testing at The Paul Ricard Circuit, Le Castellet, France
MC12 modified to comply with FIA category GT1 regulations

25 January 2005

Circuit	Paul Ricard (5,759 km)
Driver	Andrea Bertolini
Car	MC12
Weather	air temperature 1/8° C
	track temperature 1/12° C
	clear skies, dry

First day of testing for the Reparto Corse Maserati at the Paul Ricard circuit in the South of France. Official test driver, Andrea Bertolini, completed the first kilometres in the MC12 modified to comply with FIA category GT1 regulations. The car differs from that used in 2004 as regards: the shortened nose to obtain the 4.990 mm maximum length, a reduction of the aerodynamic surface area, the fitting of an undertray between the wheels, the re- positioning of exhaust system, the use of carbon brakes and traction control and the removal of the minimum height clearance. Bertolini ran 65 laps, 33 of which he completed in the morning.The exclusive test session, held behind closed doors, will go on until Thursday 28 January.

MC12 - Testing at The Paul Ricard Circuit, Le Castellet, France

26 January 2005

Circuit	Paul Ricard Circuit (5,759 km)
Driver	Andrea Bertolini
Car	MC12
Weather	air temperature max 8° C
	track temperature max 12° C
	clear skies, dry track

Paul Ricard - Second day of testing this week for the Reparto Corse Maserati at the Paul Ricard circuit in the south of France. Andrea Bertolini took to the wheel in today’s test session to develop the MC12. The car has been modified to conform to the FIA’s category GT1 regulations. The Italian driver alternated brief sets of fast laps with some pit stops. These were necessary for setting up the new car correctly. Around thirty laps were run in total.

MC12 - Testing at The Paul Ricard Circuit, Le Castellet, France

27 January 2005

Circuit	Paul Ricard Circuit (5,759 km)
Driver	Andrea Bertolini
Car	MC12
Weather	air temperature 0°-13° C
	track temperature 1°-16° C
	clear skies, dry track

Third day of testing this week for Maserati’s Reparto Corse. Andrea Bertolini continued testing to develop the MC12 modified to conform to the FIA’s category GT1 regulations.
The Italian driver completed a race simulation, running 111 laps. The exclusive, behind- closed-doors test session will conclude tomorrow.

MC12 - Testing at The Paul Ricard Circuit, Le Castellet, France

28 January 2005

Circuit	Paul Ricard (5,759 km)
Driver	Andrea Bertolini
Car	MC12
Weather	air temperature max 11° C
	track temperature 16° C
	clear skies, dry track

Fourth and last test day for Maserati’s Reparto Corse at the Paul Ricard circuit.
Andrea Bertolini completed another race simulation after that conducted yesterday. The Ferrari Maserati Group test driver ran 114 laps in the MC12 (GT1). The new car proved to be reliable and performed well right from the off. The team is very satisfied with the week’s programme of work.

MC12 - Testing at The Paul Ricard Circuit, Le Castellet, France

15 February 2005

Circuit

Paul Ricard (5,759 km)

Drivers	Andrea Bertolini	1’48”108
	Fabio Babini	1’50”823

Car	MC12
Weather	air temperature 5/11° C
	track temperature 4/15° C
	clear skies, dry

First day of testing at the Paul Ricard for the Reparto Corse Maserati. The session will end on Friday. Andrea Bertolini, factory Maserati driver, and Fabio Babini, Pirelli tester, shared the wheel of the MC12 (GT1). The first driver did 48 laps with a best time of 1’48”108. The second one covered 31 laps, the quickest in 1’50”823.

MC12 - Testing at The Paul Ricard Circuit, Le Castellet, France

16 February 2005

Circuit

Paul Ricard (5,759 km)

Drivers	Andrea Bertolini	1'48"317
	Fabio Babini	1'49"347

Car	MC12
Weather	air temperature max 12° C
	track temperature max 16° C
	clear skies, dry track

Second day of testing this week for Maserati’s Reparto Corse at the Paul Ricard circuit in the south of France. The programme of the MC12 was conducted by Andrea Bertolini and Fabio Babini. The official test driver completed 62 laps, stopping the clock at 1'48"317 while the Pirelli driver ran 45 laps with a best time of 1'49"347.

Team Vitaphone, with the German Michael Bartels, and Team Racing Box, with Giuseppe Perazzini and Gabriele Matteuzzi at the wheel, were also present at the test session. The two teams will compete in the international FIA GT championship and the Italian GT championship, respectively.