Abu Dhabi, 17 April 2010 - Bartels/Bertolini obtained fourth place with Vitaphone Racing Team's Maserati MC12 at the conclusion of the first round of the new FIA GT1 World Championship, held in Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi. The reigning champions had been fighting for the podium until the pit stop of the "Championship Race", but then as the race proceeded it was evident how much the Maserati is penalized by the new rules with respect to its rivals.

All the Modenese cars improved their standing today: Vitaphone Racing Team other car, driven by the Bernoldi/Ramos pair, finished sixth but had started out from the back of the starting line due to contact during the Qualifying Race, which forced them to return to and remain in the pit.

Triple H Team Hegersport's no. 34, driven by Bobbi/Longin, also did well. They also started out from the back and had reached seventh place when the checkered flag was waved. They did not participate in the first race of the afternoon due to a problem which led to loss of traction.

Pity about Triple H Team Hegersport's Maserati no. 33 driven by Heger/Margaritis: they started from fourth position, but were delayed due to contact with another car. They nevertheless obtained ninth place.

Next race in Silverstone (UK) on 2 May.

RACE RESULTS:

1) Grosjean/Mutsch - Ford GT - Matech Competion
2) Zuber/Hennerici - Corvette Z06 - Phoenix Racing/Carsport - 23.061
3) Piccini/Hezemans - Corvette Z06 - Phoenix Racing/Carsport - 26.485

4) Bartels/Bertolini - Maserati MC12 - Vitaphone Racing Team - 34.075
6) Bernoldi/Ramos - Maserati MC12 - Vitaphone Racing Team - 53.059
7) Bobbi/Longin - Maserati MC12 - Triple H Team Hegersport - 1:00.556
9) Heger/Margaritis - Maserati MC12 - Triple H Team Hegersport - 1:24.473

DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER ROUND ONE:

1) Grosjean/Mutsch - 31 points
2) Zuber/Hennerici - 26 points
3) Bartels/Bertolini - 16 points
6) Ramos/Bernoldi - 8 points
7) Longin/Bobbi - 6 points
9) Heger/Margaritis - 2 points

Text courtesy of Maserati Press Center