Maserati Enthusiasts' Page

The Enthusiasts' Page
	All things 'Maserati'. News of forthcoming models, owner's cars, tips, 'Marque' reunions and the odd touch of humour! In fact anything of interest to the 'Maseratista'. So if you have any news about Maseratis or have anything owners and enthusiasts should know, send details to enricomaserati@btinternet.com

You can click on some pictures for a better view !!


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From Hisato in Japan

BITURBO FESTA 2017

"Dear Enrico, Biturbo Festa 2017 was very successful, as it was in 2010. 53 Biturbos and 90 participants came together at the same location as Biturbo Festa 2010, the Nippondaira Hotel in Japan. The hotel was the same, but the hotel and gardens were refurbished three years ago and it is now an even nicer place to stay. All participants enjoyed looking at the Biturbos, chatting together and enjoying the nice hotel, location, and of course the food. The weather was very kind to us and we could see Mt. Fuji and cherry blossom in the gardens. Normally the cherry blossom season is at the beginning of April with no cherry blossom around at this time, but there was full blosson on the cherry trees at the event and it was fist time this month that Mt. Fuji could be seen from the hotel. We showed the video message from Kerry at MIE and yours. All participants were surprised with the message and very delighted to see it. We also did cheers with you from the video together !! I attached some photos from Biturbo Festa 2017 and will share the official photos later. Best regards, Hisato."

On our way to Biturbo Festa 2017		Arriving at the Nippondaira Hotel

Hotel car park that evening		Hotel car park the following morning

Hotel car park the following morning		Hotel car park the following morning

Parking at the event reception		Parking at the event reception

Parking at the event reception		Parking at the event reception

Biturbos on display in the hotel gardens		Biturbos on display in the hotel gardens

Biturbos on display in the hotel gardens		Biturbos on display in the hotel gardens

The commorative event lanyard !






From Bob in the USA

MIE CORPORATION BREAKING NEWS

MIE Corporation is excited to announce the next phase in our growth toward serving the worldwide Maserati community. Jacques Pozzo di Borgo, owner of Maseratisource, has taken over ownership of MIE Corporation. Jacques has been serving the Maserati community for over 25 years and has accumulated an extremely large collection of vintage GT parts. With Jacques' acquisition of MIE Corporation, his technical knowledge and resources and those of MIE will now combine, which will dramatically increase MIE's product offering and improve MIE's ability to bring new products to market. Historically, MIE and Jacques have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship and discussed the possibility of joining forces for quite some time. Now that the idea has come to fruition, Jacques' strengths and those of MIE complement one another very well. MIE is confident that much more can be accomplished as a collaborative team, and that MIE will be capable of serving the Maserati community more completely and more efficiently with Jacques Pozzo di Borgo than without. MIE, with Jacques at the helm, is determined to be the most cost competitive, highest quality supplier of Maserati parts in the world. MIE has contributed significant new investment funds aimed at increasing availability of the parts that customers need. MIE Corporation possesses a massive Maserati inventory of new and used parts, as well as a developed infrastructure operated professionally with over 60 years of combined Maserati parts knowledge. Whether a customer does quality restorations, performs maintenance on these masterpieces, or works on his/her very own Maserati, MIE understands the need to be responsive and to get parts shipped out quickly. MIE Corporation has a proven track record of same day service and shipping and under Jacques' ownership, that will remain the same. MIE Corporation and all of its employees look forward to this new adventure with great excitement! A special thanks to all of the loyal Maserati owners for their continued business and support. Kerry, Jeff and Stuart will remain and look forward to continuing to support Maserati Club International as well as all of your parts needs. All of our contact information remains the same as before: MIE Corporation 1620 Industry Drive SW, Suite F Auburn WA 98001






From Newspress in the UK

BATTLE OF THE BROTHERS: MASERATI STAGES UNIQUE 'CAR VS HORSE' RACE BETWEEN THE SKELTONS IN BUILD-UP TO GRAND NATIONAL

National Hunt Trainer, Dan Skelton, drives new Maserati Levante SUV in a race against professional jockey brother, Harry, on horseback. Point-to-Point challenge took place in the grounds of Chavenage House Estate in the Cotswolds. London, Monday 3rd April 2017 – In the build up to the Grand National, luxury Italian car brand Maserati devised a unique ‘car vs horse’ challenge to explore the capabilities of the first ever Maserati SUV, the Levante, in an environment naturally suited to its equine competitor. The challenge provided another competitive twist as it was a race between two brothers; National Hunt Trainer and Maserati ambassador Dan Skelton behind the wheel of the new Maserati Levante Diesel while National Hunt Jockey Harry Skelton took the reins of Point to Pointer Dinnie O.

Maserati Car vs Horse		Maserati Car vs Horse

Captured in a thrilling video, the race across the grounds of Chavenage House Estate, in the Cotswolds, can be viewed here: Following the rules of historical point-to-point racing, Dan and Harry were tasked with travelling between two set points as fast as possible. The nature of the race and the course allowed the Levante to showcase its off-road capabilities and intelligent Q4 All-Wheel-Drive system, having to navigate through rough terrain that was unsuitable for horseback. With both competitors taking different routes to the finish line, the power and speed of the Levante eventually told, with Dan just overtaking Harry and Dinnie O on the final straight. Commenting on the challenge, Dan Skelton said, “Understandably the yard is a very busy place at the moment and it was enjoyable to take some time out of the pressures of preparation for Aintree. Racing my brother through the British countryside in the new Maserati Levante was fantastic fun and of course the best man won!” Harry Skelton said, “We’ve always been ultra-competitive and of course I never like losing to my brother. The challenge was something very different to my usual day job, and I’m hoping Dan will lend me the keys to his Levante soon so I can get behind the wheel for a test drive.” Maserati’s luxury SUV offers active air suspension as standard, boasting five varying ride heights, as well as the lowest centre of gravity in class. Exclusivity continues with the Levante’s intelligent Q4 All-Wheel-Drive system, 3.0 litre V6 Turbo Diesel engine and a luxury ride comfort synonymous with the Italian brand. In the UK, the Levante Diesel starts from £56,250 OTR and can be upgraded to include either a Luxury or Sport pack at £62,380 OTR. The Levante can also be equipped with the Luxury Pack Zegna Edition at £63,310 OTR, featuring bespoke Zegna Mulberry Silk. Text and photos courtesy of Maserati






From Newspress in the UK

MASERATI AND MASSIMO BOTTURA: ITALIAN EXCELLENCE ON STAGE AT THE GENEVA AUTOSHOW

An exclusive meal with Massimo Bottura, the well renowned three-Michelin-starred chef and Maserati brand ambassador, took place at the Maserati stand. A few select Maserati and Zegna customers enjoyed the spectacle and tasted the culinary delights made by the visionary chef: fast cars and slow food were at the heart of the experience, with a special rice dish inspired by and named after the SUV Levante. Modena, Wednesday 8 March 2017 – Yesterday evening, Massimo Bottura, the renowned three-Michelin-starred chef and Maserati brand ambassador, joined the first Press Day of the International Motor Show. During the event, Bottura delighted spectators, sharing his vision, his passion and his journey; as a boy, he grew up with the sound of the engine, as well as with balsamic vinegar and his grandmother’s wisdom in the kitchen.

Geneva Motor Show 2017 - Massimo Bottura		Geneva Motor Show 2017 - Massimo Bottura

And it’s thanks to this that today his job is a matter of vision, inspiration, intuition, poetry, executed with passion. Starting with this philosophical background, he has reimagined the culinary traditions of Italy and Modena, taking an extremely contemporary and sometimes even futuristic approach, coming up with dishes such as the Levante, inspired by the Maserati SUV. Levante is a wind that blows across Italy from the Adriatic in the east to the Tirreno Sea in the west. It brings with it unexpected aromatic ingredients in the form of citrus infused rice served on top of fresh water fish marinated in fennel and orange.

Geneva Motor Show 2017 - Massimo Bottura - Levante rice		Geneva Motor Show - Massimo Bottura - the crunchy part of lasagne

The chef also prepared other dishes inspired by his origins and his childhood food memories. This is true of “The crunchy part of lasagne”: a taste of the memory of being a child and - like every kid - always trying to pinch the most delicious burnt corner of the lasagne from the roasting dish that his grandmother had lovingly prepared. Today, this edible throwback takes the form of a sheet of crunchy pasta balanced on top of a hand-chopped meat sauce and béchamel so light it is like a bird about to take flight.

Geneva Motor Show - Massimo Bottura - the crunchy part of lasagne		Geneva Motor Show 2017 - Massimo Bottura

Another evocative dish is the “Memory of a mortadella sandwich”: “Can a recipe ever replace a memory ?” Massimo Bottura said. “My mother chased me down the street with a mortadella sandwich everyday on my way to school. In honour of her earnest effort to feed me, this memory has been revived with crunchy gnocco and the purest essence of mortadella”. Reid Bigland, Maserati CEO, also experienced this great moment and commented: “Massimo has shown true genius in expressing a modern or even futuristic vision of this tradition in every flavour, without ever betraying its origins. All this is very close to the Maserati tradition of designing, developing and building cars here in Italy that can excite and delight their drivers all over the world”. Bigland continued: “it’s also a great pleasure to host Maserati and Ermenegildo Zegna customers here in Geneva allowing them to appreciate Massimo’s culinary art”. Maserati and Bottura have been partners since 2015, and, in November, the Modena-based chef received his new Levante, the first SUV in more than 100 years of the brand’s existence. Bottura is the chef patron of the “Osteria Francescana”, which was awarded the title of the World's best restaurant last year by the respected "The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2016". Text and photos courtesy of Maserati






From Cyrille in France

MASERATI 2.24v STOLEN

"Hello Enrico, The Maseratitude Forum told me to advise you about this: My Maserati 2.24v has been stolen last Sunday. Cyrille's Maserati 2.24v Chassis number: ZAM331B00MB121626. Colour: Green Mica metallic. If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of this car, please contact Cyrille at cyrillenaye@orange.fr."






From Newspress in the UK

MASERATI GRANTURISMO “SPECIAL EDITION” AND LEVANTE ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA SHOW CAR DEBUTS AT GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio celebrates the 60th anniversary of the 3500 GT, the very first GT car that segmented the market in 1957, with a Special Edition; the production run will be limited to 400 units. The SUV Levante Show Car, featuring the new conceptual Ermenegildo Zegna silk fabric, bringing higher levels of luxury to car interiors, will be on show. Massimo Bottura, three-Michelin-starred chef and Maserati brand ambassador, will appear on the stand as guest star. Modena, Tuesday 7 March 2017 – After a very successful year of sales, with a record 42,100 cars distributed globally in 2016, Maserati has chosen the 87th Geneva International Motor Show to introduce its GranTurismo and GranCabrio Sport Special Edition versions. A brand new conceptual Ermenegildo Zegna silk interior in beige will also be on show in the SUV Levante.

Geneva Motor Show 2017 - Maserati Stand - Product Range

The first Maserati Grand Touring production car was created in 1957; 60 years ago, the 3500 GT made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, creating a successful market segment, in addition to the more than 2200 units sold in both coupe and cabrio versions afterwards. The GranTurismo and GranCabrioSpecial Editions celebrate the 60th anniversary of that important step in Maserati history and commemorate one of Maserati’s iconic vehicles, while embodying the entire legacy of this glorious brand. The Special Edition is based on GranTurismo and GranCabrio Sport versions and only 400 units will be produced. The main unique features of these new and exclusive versions include the New Rosso Italiano three-layer paint for the exteriors, reinterpreting the red of Fangio’s 250F - F1 champion in 1957 - and emphasizing the link with Maserati’s heritage. Not to mention the wheels: MC-design 20” alloy wheels with a new Glossy Black finish that matches the Special Edition logo wheel centre caps.

Maserati GranTurismo - GranCabrio Sport Special Edition static

The interiors have also been reimagined: the new interior design revolves around Poltrona Frau leather or leather/Alcantara upholstery and new interior stitching available in 4 different combinations. Other distinguishing interior details are the door sills in carbon fibre featuring the Special Edition logo and the dedicated plate on the central tunnel with a carbon fibre holder, commemorating the anniversary and the limited production run of 400 units. The 2017 Geneva Motor Show will also present the Levante Show Car, featuring the new conceptual Ermenegildo Zegna 100% silk fabric in the cockpit. E. Zegna atelier has developed a new silk fabric specially for Maserati, for a heightened soft touch effect, in a new beige colour. The brand new “Chevron” beige silk fabric is coupled with full premium beige leather on the front and rear seats. The same new beige silk fabric with a “Nattè” pattern, is used to enrich the interior door panels, while a “Jersey” pattern has been chosen for the roof lining and sun visors. A dedicated label featuring the E. Zegna logo highlights the luxuriousness of this interior combination, which is paired with the full premium black leather covering the upper part of the dashboard and the ambient beige cabin.

Maserati Levante - Ermenegildo Zegna Show Car		Maserati Levante - Ermenegildo Zegna Show Car - interior

The new E. Zegna beige interior will further enrich the current line-up of luxury interiors, available in 100% silk in anthracite combined with full premium leather in black, red and tan. The Levante on show is based on the Diesel version, equipped with the 275 hp 3.0-litre V6 Turbo, combined with the “Q4” intelligent all-wheel drive system – which can transfer torque between the axles in just 100 ms and, only when necessary, with 50/50% torque distribution – and an 8-speed automatic gearbox, with integrated Start&Stop System. In the afternoon, Massimo Bottura, chef and owner of “Osteria Francescana” restaurant, named the World's best restaurant by the respected "The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2016" and Maserati brand ambassador, will appear on the stand for a special cooking experience dedicated to a few select Maserati and Ermenegildo Zegna customers. The Maserati stand at Geneva will also display the marque's complete range, including the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, as well as the best performing car in the SUV family, the Levante S – all in Model Year 2017. There are two Quattroporte models on show: the GTS GranSport version and the all-wheel drive SQ4 GranLusso version. The GTS GranSport is powered by the immense 530 hp 3.8-litre Ferrari produced V8 Twin-Turbo, capable of a peak torque of 710 Nm and able to propel the car to 310 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds; the exteriors and interiors of the GranSport version underscore the sporty character of the Quattroporte, while enhancing the car’s aggressive appearance. Thanks to its new interior and new exterior design cues, Maserati’s legendary racing heritage is fully present. The distinctive feature of the Quattroporte SQ4 GranLusso is the Maserati intelligent all-wheel drive system (Q4); with the 410 hp 3-litre V6 Twin-Turbo engine delivering sporty performance with a top speed of 286 km/h and just 4.9 seconds from 0-100 km/h. The GranLusso version reinterprets the concept of luxury in a race-bred, engineered luxury saloon by enhancing the exterior finish and improving in-cabin comfort for both driver and passengers. It offers a higher level of luxury thanks to exclusive materials such as the E. Zegna 100% silk and special features following the finest tradition of Italian craftsmanship.

Geneva Motor Show 2017 - Maserati Quattroporte GTS		Geneva Motors Show 2017 - Maserati Ghibli Diesel

The Ghibli E High-End segment sports saloon on show is the Diesel-version with a 275 hp 3-litre V6 Turbo engine, providing a top-speed of 250 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds; it includes the Luxury interior package with full premium extended leather. The Maserati stand will also feature an additional version of the SUV: the Levante S. This model is equipped with the 430 hp 3-litre V6 Twin-Turbo engine, ensuring sporty performance with a top speed of 264 km/h and going from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. It delivers outstanding performance both on- and off-road thanks to the sophisticated suspension, standard with all versions: double-wishbone on the front axle and multi-link on the rear, combined with electronically controlled damping, 4-corner air-springs providing 5 dynamic ride levels (plus one additional park-position). Ghibli, Quattroporte and the SUV Levante are equipped with the new infotainment system compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions; its standout feature is its 8.4” high resolution screen with multi touch function. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are optional extras that comprise Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Brake Assist and Automated Emergency Braking functions. GranTurismo and GranCabrio Special Editions in detail

Maserati GranTurismo Sport Special Edition		Maserati GranTurismo-GranCabrio Sport Special Edition detail

In the early 1950s, Maserati enjoyed great success in endurance racing with its legendary barchettas. Based on the mechanic layout of these amazing cars, a new family of special road-use grand touring cars was developed. Thanks to collaborations with famous coachbuilders, who designed iconic bodywork, these cars are now recognized as some of the most characteristic Maseratis of the past (A6 1600, A6 GCS, A6 G/54 etc.). The first Maserati Grand Touring car for series production - the fabulous 3500 GT designed by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera Milano - emerged from this backdrop in 1957.

Maserati GranTurismo-GranCabrio Sport Special Edition detail		Maserati GranTurismo-GranCabrio Sport Special Edition detail

The 3500 GT was a ground-breaking vehicle for Maserati. It was the company’s first commercial success with over 2200 units sold in both coupe and cabrio versions. This figure was impressive at the time given the fact that the cars were made completely by hand in the Modena plant. The Special Edition celebrates the 60th anniversary of that important stage in Maserati history and the GranTurismo embodies the entire legacy of this glorious brand. In 1957, Maserati also reached the pinnacle of its racing history: after a memorable season, Juan Manuel Fangio won the F1 championship in his invincible Maserati 250F, creating truly great memories at the 1957 Nürburgring. As Maseratis always combine grand touring ambition with racing inspiration, the exclusive Special Edition three-layer exterior colour (Rosso Italiano) reinterprets the red of Fangio’s 250F, emphasizing the link with Maserati’s heritage.

GranTurismo & GranCabrio Sport “Special Edition”

GranTurismo Sport “Special Edition”

GranCabrio Sport “Special Edition”

Engine

460 HP 4.7-litre V8 naturally aspirated Ferrari engine.
Max speed: 298/ 300* km/h.
0-100 km/h: 4.8/ 4.7* sec.
* with MC Shift transmission.

460 HP 4.7-litre V8 naturally aspirated Ferrari engine.
Max speed: 285 km/h.
0-100 km/h: 5.0 sec.

Suspension & Chassis

Sport Skyhook for the best sporty sensation combined with increased comfort.

Transmission

MC Shift (6-speed electro-actuated gearbox, transaxle layout with longitudinal front engine, located behind the front axle - Rear Wheel Drive) or MC Auto Shift (6-speed automatic gearbox, front transmission in unit with the engine, drive shaft, rear differential - Rear Wheel Drive).

MC Auto Shift (6-speed automatic gearbox, front transmission in unit with the engine, drive shaft, rear differential - Rear Wheel Drive).

Transmission modes

Five driving modes: Auto-Normal, Auto-Sport, Manual-Normal, Manual-Sport, Ice.

Braking system

Dual Cast brake system with drilled and ventilated discs by Brembo. Each disc ID machined with 4 slots and 16 blind holes around the perimeter. The slots keep the brake pads clean, preventing loss of efficiency, and help to break up the flow of water over the surface, while the extra holes ensure uniform wear of the pads and disc to prevent the deterioration of performance over time.

Aerodynamics

The hood, made entirely from carbon fibre, produces additional downforce at the front, improving steering feel and driving control at high speed.

Exterior Bodywork

The extreme appearance has been reinterpreted to create an elegant sportiness. The details that adorn the lines of the car give its elegance and style a sportier feel; a natural progression, truly following Maserati tradition.

Exhaust System

Oval exhaust tips with bypass flaps always open in Sport mode for a full Maserati sound experience.

Exterior Features:

3 “extra campionario” paints available (New Rosso Italiano, Bianco Birdcage, Grigio Lava) and 4 typical Maserati range colours (Nero, Bianco Eldorado, Nero Carbonio, Grigio Granito).

Alloy wheels: MC-design 20” alloy wheels with a new Glossy Black finish.

Special Edition logo wheel centre caps in a new finish, matching the wheel colour.

The distinctive features of the carbon fibre hood, which comes as standard for body colour and available as an optional extra for the carbon look, are its front central air intake and two rear air vents. The internal part of the hood is in matt carbon fibre featuring a large-scale pattern. The hood of the GranCabrio Sport has been specifically modified, starting from the coupe model, and fitted to respect the restrictive regulations concerning pedestrian impact.

Standard carbon fibre look (front splitter, door handles, side mirrors, rear lip spoiler).

Interior Features:

New Poltrona Frau leather or leather/Alcantara upholstery and interior stitching available in 4 combinations:

Bianco Pregiato leather interior with Grigio Chrono insert and Grigio Chrono stitching

Black leather/black drilled Alcantara interior with Red stitching

Black leather with White stitching

Black leather/grey drilled Alcantara interior with Grigio Ghiaccio stitching

Standard carbon fibre look (centre console, paddles shift, instrument surround, carbon finish on dash and door panels trim strips)

Floor mats with coloured piping matching the interior details

Door sills in carbon fibre with Special Edition logo

Dedicated plate on central tunnel with carbon fibre holder, paying tribute to the anniversary and the limited 400-unit production run

Text and photos courtesy of Maserati






From Daniele in Italy

DON SERGIO MANTOVANI - Chaplain of Drivers

"Ciao Enrico, Don Sergio Mantovani è un prete speciale, Monsignore di una parrocchia di Modena che si affaccia su v.le Ciro Menotti che è il proseguimento di V.le Trento-Trieste, sedi storiche di Maserati e Ferrari. Don Sergio è il Cappellano dei Piloti. Credo che Don Sergio sia l'unico prete al mondo ad aver demolito la propria chiesa con una ruspa perchè era pericolante (ma poi l'ha ricostruita), e per questo si è meritatamente guadagnato il soprannome di "Don Ruspa" e anche l'affetto di tutti i suoi parrocchiani e conoscenti, non ultimo il Commendator Ferrari che gli conferì quell'insolito e simpatico soprannome. La MM del 1955 fu quella vinta dall'equipaggio Moss Jenkinson su Mercedes alla media più elevata mai raggiunta. Copilota di Moss in quell' epica edizione, Denis Jenkinson (1920-1996) giornalista britannico, scrisse più volte che se non si conosce Don Sergio Mantovani non si può affermare di conoscere veramente il mondo delle corse automobilistiche e in particolare quello della F.1. Nel 1961 Don Sergio inaugura il nuovo asilo parrocchiale realizzato anche grazie ai contributi e alle donazioni di molti piloti (e anche di Enzo Ferrari). All'inaugurazione furono invitati molte ullistri personalità e piloti, tra cui Stirling Moss, J.M.Fangio e altri. Per l'occasione Don Sergio fece realizzare una piccola scultura, una Maserati 250F stilizzata, in argento, che donerà come riconoscimento ai piloti intervenuti all'inaugurazione. Su richiesta dei suoi amici e per eventi successivi, verranno realizzate altre sculture identiche all'originale, ma non più in argento. Allego alcune foto di Don Sergio, dell'inaugurazione e della 250F (che venne donata a J.M.Fangio). Ciao, Daniele. "Hello Enrico, Don Sergio Mantovani is a very special priest, Monsignor of a Modena parish overlooking Viale Ciro Menotti that is the continuation of Viale Trento-Trieste, historic homes of Maserati and Ferrari. Don Sergio is the Chaplain of Drivers. I think Don Sergio is the only priest in the world to have demolished their church with a bulldozer because it was unsafe (but then he rebuilt it), and this has deservedly earned the nickname "Don Scrapper" and even the affection of all his parishioners and acquaintances, not least Commendatore Ferrari who gave him this unusual and sympathetic nickname. The Mille Miglia of 1955 was that won by Moss and Jenkinson in a Mercedes at the highest ever achieved average. British journalist Denis Jenkinson (1920-1996), Moss' co-pilot in that epic race, wrote several times that if you don't know Don Sergio Mantovani you cannot claim to really know the world of motor racing, and in particular that of F1. In 1961 Don Sergio inaugurated the new parish nursery school made possible thanks to contributions and donations made by many drivers (including Enzo Ferrari). Inauguration were invited many illustrious personalities and drivers, including Stirling Moss, J.M.Fangio and others. For the occasion, Don Sergio made a small sculpture, a stylized silver Maserati 250F, that gave recognition to the drivers who attended the inauguration. At the request of his friends and for subsequent events, sculptures were made, identical to the original but no longer in silver. I attach some pictures of Don Sergio, the inauguration and the 250F that was given to J.M.Fangio. Bye for now, Daniele." The 250F sculpture that was given to J.M.Fangio Don Sergio greets Dino Govoni, Hill Climb Champion, at the start Sharing a jovial moment with Graham Hill A moment with Jean Behra and Harry Schell Manuel Fangio inaugurates the nursery school, where every classroom is dedicated to a racing driver. On the right, the Archbishop of Modena Monsignor Giuseppe Amici (1961). The inauguration of the nursery school of Santa Caterina (1961). Don Sergio with, left to right: Maurice Trintignant, Giovanni Volpi di Misurata, Nello Ugolini, Stirling Moss and Fritz Huschke von Hanstein. Don Sergio with the unforgettable late great Ayrton Senna






From Newspress in the UK

MASERATI MULTI70 FINISHES A CLOSE SECOND IN THE NINTH EDITION OF THE RORC CARIBBEAN 600

Modena, 22 February 2017 – Maserati Multi70, the state-of-the-art ocean racing trimaran skippered by Giovanni Soldini, has finished in second place in the RORC Caribbean 600 Race after a race-long high-speed battle with the American trimaran, Phaedo3.

© Arthur Daniel Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race Giovanni Soldini

Soldini and his seven-man international crew brought Maserati Multi70 across the finish line off Charlotte Point in Antigua at 21.33.55 local time Tuesday February 21, (02.33.55 on Wednesday 22 February in Italy), 13 minutes behind Phaedo3. The Italian multihull completed the course in 1 day, 9 hours, 53 minutes and 55 seconds, finishing 13 minutes after Phaedo3. Lighter, less consistent winds than are characteristic of the Caribbean at this time of year meant neither team was able to improve on the race record time of 31 hours, 59 minutes and four seconds, set by Phaedo3 in 2016. Maserati Multi70 and Phaedo3 were racing in the MOCRA class for multihull boats and finished far ahead of the rest of the record 80 boat fleet of mainly monohull yachts. The two crews were locked in close combat for virtually the entire race as they matched each other’s every move around the course play for play.

© RORC Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race FINISH		© RORC Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race FINISH

When Maserati Multi70 was slowed by a calm patch on the approach to Guadeloupe, Phaedo3 gained a 13-mile lead – the greatest distance the two boats had been separated by since the start. The Italian trimaran came storming back immediately and by the next turning point - Iles des Saintes at the southern end of the racecourse - Soldini’s crew were back challenging for the lead. A freshening breeze for the final 100-miles of the 600-mile racecourse saw Maserati Multi70 speed around the last two legs at over 30 knots as Soldini’s crew tried everything they knew to overtake their rivals before the finish. But it was not to be. When Phaedo3 was first to make the final turn around the miniscule Redonda Island and point her bows at the finish line, there were no tactical options left for the Maserati Multi70 crew to try to exploit.

© Ted Martin Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race FINISH		© Rachel Fallon-Langdon Maserati Multi70-2017 RORC Head to Head Maserati Multi70 vs Pheado3

After the finish Soldini was quick to congratulate the winning crew on Phaedo3 who he said had made virtually no mistakes during the race. Exhausted but happy, the Italian skipper also paid tribute to his own crew who he said had sailed a great race. “We are very happy and I think we sailed a good race”, Soldini said on the dock in Antigua. “We didn’t have very much time when the conditions suited us. Mostly it was around 10 knots so our foiling gear in the water slowed us down.” Soldini said Maserati Multi70 – which has a standard MOD 70 foil on the right side and a custom L-foil on the left - was only able to fly on two occasions during the race. The most memorable flight, he said, was shortly after the start when they overtook Phaedo3 at speed. “This has been an important race for us”, Soldini said. “Sailing so close to Phaedo3 has allowed us to try things out and I think we have learned a lot about how to get the most out of our boat.” On board Maserati Multi70 with skipper Giovanni Soldini for the RORC Caribbean 600 race were: Guido Broggi, Vittorio Bissaro, François Robert, Oliver Herrera, Carlos Hernandez, Francesco Malingri and Matteo Soldini. The next outing for Maserati Multi70 will be the Transpacific Race from Los Angeles to Hawaii in July when Soldini hopes to have the boat configured to fly on both sides. Before then the trimaran will make a long passage from the Caribbean to the west coast of the USA via the Panama Canal.

Text and photos courtesy of Maserati






From Newspress in the UK

GIOVANNI SOLDINI’S MASERATI MULTI70 TRIMARAN STARTS RORC CARIBBEAN 600 RACE IN ANTIGUA

Modena, 21 February 2017 – The ninth edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 Race set off yesterday from Antigua. The high-tech Italian ocean racing trimaran, Maserati Multi70, skippered by Giovanni Soldini crossed the start line off Fort Charlotte on the south side of the island with a 10-knot westerly breeze at 11.40 local time (15.40 in Europe).

© Tim Wright Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race		© Tim Wright Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race Start

Soldini has seven other crew members on board Maserati Multi70: Guido Broggi, Vittorio Bissaro, François Robert, Oliver Herrera, Carlos Hernandez, Francesco Malingri and Matteo Soldini (a member of the shore team standing in for John Elkann who withdrew after forecast light winds meant the race duration no longer fitted in with his previous work commitments). Soldini’s team of ocean racing experts are facing much gentler winds than are normal in the Caribbean at this time of year. The unusual weather scenario is the result of a low-pressure storm system to the north that has extinguished the regular trade winds that characterise the classic 600-mile race.

© Tim Wright Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race Start		© Tim Wright Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race Start

Light breezes do not suit Soldini’s trimaran which is designed to race in much stronger winds when it can fly above the water at high speeds on specially designed hydrofoils. The RORC Caribbean Race is renowned as one of the most complex and challenging races in ocean racing. This year’s edition has attracted a record fleet of 80-boats including top ocean racing crews from around the world.

© Tim Wright Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race Start		© Tim Wright Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race Start

Starting and finishing in Antigua, the course weaves its way through the Caribbean taking in no less than 11 island turning points, stretching as far north as Saint Martin and down to the tiny island of Les Saintes off Guadeloupe in the south. “It will be a tough race”, Soldini said before the start. “Accurate navigation is essential and then you have to take into consideration the wind shadows that stretch out from some of the islands that can stop you in your tracks. We will try to sail our boat to the best of our ability.”

© Tim Wright Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race Start		© Tim Wright Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race

With average winds for the race expected to be below the level Maserati Multi70 needs to be competitive – it is unlikely that the Italian boat or its main rival, the USA-flagged trimaran, Phaedo3, will challenge for the race record time of 31 hours, 59 minutes and four seconds, set last year by the American boat. After having crossed the starting line, Maserati Multi70 passed York Island on the east coast of Antigua heading north towards a turning mark in the southwest of the island of Barbuda; Maserati Multi70 is currently at close range and catching up to its rival Phaedo3, near to the western side of the island of Guadeloupe.

© Tim Wright Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race training		© Tim Wright Maserati Multi70 - 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 Race training

Text and photos courtesy of Maserati





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