[LM24] Maserati Le Mans

[Dov]

Did the MC-12 carry ballast last season when it raced in the LMES? Sorry for all of the questions guys. I've been watching sportscar racing on and off for the past ten years, but I've never paid that much attention to the rules and regulations. At least i'm trying to learn more about it now since sportscar racing has really started to grow on me over the past two seasons.

[BSchneiderFan]

The MC12 didn't race in the LMES, only in FIA GTs.

[Dov]

^ Okay then, was it legal under FIA's rules and regulations?

[SALEEN S7R]

Yes it was - it was carrying something like 30-50kg of ballast I beleive, i forget exactly. Also the rear wing was 20cm shorter than what everyone else was using.

[Dov]

Thanks, SALEEN S7R.

[Fab]

Originally Posted by Dov

Has ACO ever let an illegal car race before at the 12 Hours of Sebring or any other ALMS event??

Regarding dimensions, I don't think so. But that's also new that a factory try to enter a car not fitting the dimensions' rules... the main homologation's problem was mainly the number of build cars (in GT) last years...

[Mal]

I read earlier on DSC that Maserati are testing a 20cm shorter car at Paul Ricard, and that they expect to compete in one other championship other than FIA GT. I assume that this will be ALMS

[TerryC]

Originally Posted by Mal

...they expect to compete in one other championship other than FIA GT. I assume that this will be ALMS

Possibly, given the fact that LM & LMES are out of the question as things stand with the marque.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by TerryC

Possibly, given the fact that LM & LMES are out of the question as things stand with the marque.

And ALMS is probably happy to get such high profile entry.

[tblincoe]

this whole maserati deal is just one big cluster-****... it will be interesting to see just what becomes of this program

edited for autocensor-dodge - p-c

[F360]

Couldn't agree more - seems they've had to lose some length at the front for starters - and add new undertrays, modified exhaust layouts etc... and thats just to get it approved for 2005. No wonder the MC12 is so darned expensive !

[F360]

........wouldn't it be a shock though if Maserati's participation was with a Trofeo light in the GT class ??!!

[Graham Goodwin]

or both!

[SALEEN S7R]

Do u know something we dont Graham?

[Gabrio]

Originally Posted by Graham Goodwin

or both!

I do not think Maserati has the money to do both programs at the moment, so the Trofeo could only be a private entry. Furthermore that car's weight is 1400 kgs which is a bit much.

[Claus Hansen]

Hi,

Have anyone in here seen pics of the new 20 cm shorter MC12 ?

Please link, if you have, thanks

[Truckosaurus]

Originally Posted by Claus Hansen

Have anyone in here seen pics of the new 20 cm shorter MC12 ?

Just been looking at Before and After shots on DSC.

[paul-collins]

Was the nose shortened before the FIA races? I looked at the same photos, and it's not entirely clear to me.

[vs346]

it was shortened after the FIA races. the bare carbon fibre on the front half of the car is a good indication that they have messed with it.

[paul-collins]

D'oh! Of course you're right - I wasn't reading it correctly. I was assuming that the photo set was meant to be "before and after." When you actually think while reading, it's obvious that it's "after and before."

[vs346]

oh, you know how those guys at DSC think, always backwards!