Adria (IT), 16 May 2009 - The Maserati MC12 driven by Bartels/Bertolini was the first car to reach the finish line in the second round of the FIA GT championship - the night race held in Adria. Adding to this victory there is the third place achieved by the Maserati driven by Mueller/Ramos, rounding out the day after Bertolini's pole position.

It is a success achieved authoritatively, surely aided by the absence of a duel with Wendlinger/Sharp's Saleen, but never really challenged, except perhaps by teammates Vitaphone Racing Mueller/Ramos. The latter, conditioned by their attempt at a drive-through, were penalized for breaking a sports regulation, which set them back to fourth place. Their race seemed hopelessly compromised, but a hog wild Mueller was able to shorten a gap of almost 30'' from Hezemans and Kumpen's Corvette, which won second place.

Andrea Bertolini: «We worked intensely all weekend and we faced the race aggressively, attacking at once. I am very happy with this outcome because it is the MC12's last victory in Italy . It is a success that lenghtens the championship, which still remains quite difficult and whose final result is still uncertain».

Thanks to this win, the current FIA GT1 champions also regain the leadership in the drivers' championship.

The next stage of the FIA GT championship will be held in Oschersleben (GER) on 21 June.

RACE RESULTS:

1) Bartels/Bertolini (Maserati MC12)
2) Kumpen/Hezemans (Corvette Z06)
3) Ramos/Mueller (Maserati MC12)

DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP:

1) Bartels/Bertolini - 18 points
2) Kumpen/Hezemans - 13 points
3) Maassen/Moreau - 11 points

Text courtesy of Maserati Press Center