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VIDEO-GAME enthusiasts will get the chance to enjoy the thrills and spills of real life Grand Turismo-style racing in a spectacular new motor sport event at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).
The Sakhir track will stage two rounds of the Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK Middle East Championship with up to 16 mechanically-identical Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo cars battling it out in a 12-race series.
The move to the Middle East follows a series of successful races by the luxury Italian sports car maker in Europe.
Umberto Cini, managing director of Maserati Middle East & Africa, said: “With full support from the factory, we believe the competition offers a unique platform for drivers in the region who are looking for a competitive championship race with the exclusive benefits of driving a brand like Maserati.”
The GranTurismo MC Trofeo is the evolution of the GranTurismo MC Concept, the prototype car developed from the road-going model, the Maseroti GranTurismo S.
It boasts significant technical changes. The engine and transmission software have been upgraded as has the power.
It now has a 4.7-litre V8 engine and the gear changes can now be made in just 60 milliseconds.
Even the brakes and aerodynamics have been modified to boost performance on the track without affecting the car’s shape.
The contest, open to men and women, will make its debut in November throughout the winter months into early 2012 at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, Qatar’s Losail Circuit, the Dubai Autodrome in UAE as well as the BIC.
The BIC will formally announce its updated racing calendar in September but Maserati executives told GulfWeekly they hope to stage the competition in the kingdom in December and January.
Each race weekend will consist of two free practice sessions lasting 40 minutes, two qualifying sessions of 20 minutes and two races of 30 minutes duration.
Packages on offer will allow drivers to compete individually or in a pair for the season. All-inclusive costs range from approximately BD51,000 to BD55,000 depending on the options chosen.
The packages include the logistical management of the car, technical assistance at the circuit, a Maserati Trofeo race suit and VIP hospitality for driver and guests.
For more details call +971 (0) 4 701 7650 or e-mail info-mea@maserati.com
