Maserati Trophy: Alberto Cerrai wins at Monza while Emanuele Smurra takes the Trophy with one race in advance

Even if the victory of Monza went to the impressive Alberto Cerrai, Emanuele Smurra took the first Maserati Trophy arriving seventh on the finish line. An exciting race, marked by many action packed incidents and the splendid backcloth of Monza: the optimal meteorological conditions allowed the public present to enjoy a great day of motor sport.

As usual, from the start the rhythm of the race has been explosive, with the fantastic start of Arnoux, former driver of Ferrari F1 during the '80s. Brilliant the duel between Cerrai and Rota in the opening laps, with an exciting pass on the outside of the "Parabolica": another great result of the reliability of the Pirelli P Zero racing tyres that have allowed the drivers to push their in complete safety.

An accident endured by Alessi at the first turn of Lesmo obligated the race direction to send out the safety car at the tenth lap. Many drivers exploited the situation in order to carry out the obligatory pit-stop. Two laps later, after the exit of the safety car, the race is completely changed: Cerrai now at the head of the field, then Enzo Panacci (that it has occupied the place of Ren Arnoux in the Vip Car), Mark Coldani, Smurra, Vescovi, Luglio and Botr. Rota, who before the entry of the safety car occupied the second place, slippped to twelfth. Cerrai, who at Barcelona and Magny-Cours had become already protagonist of two wonderful races, guided the group without problems until the chequered flag, holding a gap to Coldani of 5"2, to Panacci/Arnoux of 13"4, Luglio of 32"4 and Vescovi of 35"4. Thanks to his seventh place, Emanuele Smurra took the championship title with four victories, one race in advance of the seasons close.

Amongst the great names of the motor sport world presents in the Monza week end it is to note the visit at the Maserati Trophy paddock of Bernie Ecclestone and Luca Cordero di Montezemolo to congratulate the drivers and all the team Maserati for the good job carried out during this first edition of the Trophy.



Next race: International Finals Ferrari - Maserati - Circuit of the Mugello (Italy) - October 19th 2003