SIMPLETON
06-16-2004, 04:54 PM
The new Maserati MC12 is both opportunity and threat to sports car racing organizers (photo courtesy Maserati).
Representatives of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, the FIA GT Championship and interested sports car manufacturers and teams will hold an ad hoc meeting in Paris this week to thrash out the future GTS class regulations in an attempt to homogenize the category. The eligibility of Maserati's MC12 “supercar” is likely to be the main topic of discussion.
"A GTS car should be a road car first and a race car second," Le Mans sporting director David Poissenot declared.
Maserati's V12-engined MC12 has been built to FIA regulations. Currently undergoing testing in the hands of former F1 and Champ Car driver Mika Salo, the car is scheduled to make its race debut in September. It is unlikely to fit the ACO's Le Mans rulebook, however, due to the overhang of its bodywork beyond the front and rear axles.
"We will not change the rules just for one car," Poissenot added.
Among the manufacturers present at the meeting are expected to be representatives from Chevrolet, Saleen, Ferrari and Aston Martin. The latter also plans to have a GTS contender ready for the 2005 season.
from speedtv.com (http://speedtv.com)
Representatives of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, the FIA GT Championship and interested sports car manufacturers and teams will hold an ad hoc meeting in Paris this week to thrash out the future GTS class regulations in an attempt to homogenize the category. The eligibility of Maserati's MC12 “supercar” is likely to be the main topic of discussion.
"A GTS car should be a road car first and a race car second," Le Mans sporting director David Poissenot declared.
Maserati's V12-engined MC12 has been built to FIA regulations. Currently undergoing testing in the hands of former F1 and Champ Car driver Mika Salo, the car is scheduled to make its race debut in September. It is unlikely to fit the ACO's Le Mans rulebook, however, due to the overhang of its bodywork beyond the front and rear axles.
"We will not change the rules just for one car," Poissenot added.
Among the manufacturers present at the meeting are expected to be representatives from Chevrolet, Saleen, Ferrari and Aston Martin. The latter also plans to have a GTS contender ready for the 2005 season.
from speedtv.com (http://speedtv.com)