28.09.2004 The breathtaking Maserati MC12 has just taken the Trident marque back to the winners circle in style, in Paris the MC12 'Stradale' is celebrating this achievement

The shockingly aggressive Maserati MC12 almost immediately lived up to its promise, when earlier this month, it stormed to victory in the FIA GT Championship's 3-hour race at Oschersleben.

The achievement is made all the more remarkable when it is remembered that this was only the stunning sportscar's second competitive outing.

When it was first glimpsed at Fiorano, Ferrari's private test track, on a chilly, damp January morning, the dark-finished, brooding monster conveyed utter purpose in every inch of its wind-tunnel chiselled lines.

After some homologation issues were resolved during the summer, the MC12 was ready to go at Imola. With two ex-F1 stars on board, Johnny Herbert and Mika Salo, and two promising up-and-coming Italians, Andrea Bertolini and Fabrizio De Simone, both the cars eventually finished on the podium.

At Oschersleben in Germany two weeks later they went one better. Salo and Bertolini cruising to victory, ending an absence for the marque from the top step of the podium that stretches back three and a half decades.

Maserati's stand at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile, all dark blue and silver, pays homage to their long awaited return to the winner's circle. The road-going version of the MC12, if 'road-going' is a word that can be used to describe this out-and-out sportscar, takes pride of place centre stage.

Above it, writing commemorating the victory is emblazoned, while behind this silver and blue supercar, two huge photographs depict the MC12 on track next to the fabulous historic 'Birdcage' racer. Finally, there is a display from Audemars Piguet, a company who have supported the MC12's development programme.

The first thing one notices about the MC12 is its sheer size. Then you notice the complete lack of compromise. There is nothing on this car that will hinder it in its aim to go as fast as possible on the track.

The simple, functional cockpit, wreathed in masses carbon fibre, is a joy to spend time in. Everything has a purpose, there is none of the fussiness associated with many top-bracket supercars. The straightforward, manually operated, heater controls are just what a sportscar should boast, while the simply laid out double row of buttons are there to fulfil their function, nothing more.

The Maserati MC12 is a breathtaking supercar, and it has put the Trident marque's name back in the record books in the best possible style.

by Edd Ellison in Paris