26
April
2011
|
15:16
Europe/Amsterdam

Pirelli heads to Imola for the first round of 2011 Trofeo Maserati Granturismo MC

Pirelli is ready to equip the second edition of the Trofeo Maserati GranTurismo MC, with the first round taking place at Imola (Italy) from 30 April to 1 May. The Italian tyre manufacturer has been the sole supplier to this prestigious one-make championship since 2010, but the partnership with Maserati dates back many years, with the two companies working side-by-side both on track and on the road. Pirelli has equipped Maserati several times in the Formula One World Championship in the past, with their first joint title secured by Juan Manuel Fangio in 1957 at the wheel of a Maserati, running on Pirelli Stelvio tyres. Now, the Pirelli P Zero family takes centre stage, equipping the new GranTurismo MC supercar in both the Stradale and Trofeo versions. The latest Pirelli P Zero tyres, specifically designed to work in harmony with the new GranTurismo MC Trofeo supercar, are a very good example of how tread pattern, compound specification and structure can be designed in such a way to be perfectly aligned with the car’s dynamics. Paul Hembery, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director commented: “Pirelli has always been a respected partner with some of the most prestigious car manufacturers in the world, constantly investing in new, safe and technologically-advanced solutions tailor-made to their exacting performance requirements. Our P Zero tyres have been specifically designed for this highly competitive single-make championship and they represent a reliable and extremely competitive package. This though has always been the case with all our tyres: particularly the P Zero family. We are very glad to continue our valuable collaboration with Maserati, which means that two leading Italian brands will team up once again this year, ready to hit some of the most challenging tracks in Europe”. Pirelli will supply its P Zero racing tyres to the Maserati Trofeo, equipping each car with three sets of slicks for each event as well as wet tyres if needed. The tyre sizes measure 305/660-18 at the front and 325/705-18 at the rear. During the pre-season tests at Imola from 26-27 March, Pirelli successfully equipped a full field of 33 drivers, all of whom tried out the latest evolution of the Maserati supercar with its improved technological features. The 2011 Trofeo Maserati GranTurismo MC season consists of eight rounds with the opening race taking place at Imola on 1 May, during the GT Open weekend. Next up will be Monza (15 May, together with the World Touring Car Championship) followed by the Hungaroring in Hungary (5 June – WTCC), Spa in Belgium (26 June – GT Open), Donington in the UK (17 July – WTCC) and Valencia in Spain (4 September – WTCC). The championship then will then return to Italy on 18 September for the penultimate round at Vallelunga (Italian GT), followed by the grand finale at Mugello on 2 October (Italian GT). For further information please contact Laura Bartoli: laura@mediatica.co.uk /  +44 7500 877 304