Maserati have qualified 3rd in the GT1 class, and 8th overall, for the ALMS New England Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park which takes place this afternoon.

This is the first visit by the team to this historic facility located in the Southern Berkshire region two hours north of New York City. The track is relatively tight and technical, providing a good challenge for the MC12.

During the practice session just prior to qualifying the team tested several suspension settings in order to maximise performance in certain important sections of the circuit. Modifications were made to the front suspension and anti-roll bar towards the end of the session. "This is the first time all of us are on this circuit," commented the team's lead driver Andrea Bertolini after the first practice sessions, adding: "As expected- we worked on the balance of the car- with focus on the suspension. This is a very tight circuit, so attention was paid to trying to dial the car in from the start."

Second Maserati driver for the weekend is Fabio Babini. The Italian, who normally drives a Vitaphone Team run MC12 in the FIA GT Championship, is standing in for the injured Fabrizio De Simone at Lime Rock. Babini commented: “It is really important to get the set up of the car right from the start at this track. I did 20 laps and found the car easy to drive, so I am optimistic that we will find a good set up. The track keeps the driver busy at all times so you are always busy!"

After qualifying was completed Maserati Reparto Corse, which is strategically and logistically partnered by renown United States Ferrari sportscar racing team, Risi Competizione, were satisfied to consistently run lap times in the 51 second range. "The car feels good; the Pirelli tyres are performing in a steady manner, allowing us to concentrate on this very technical circuit," said Bertolini, who was entrusted with qualifying duties. "We have gotten the lap times consistently in the 51second range. Turn seven is the key to turning a fast lap. I believe the team has found the right set up to make sure we are competitive,” concluded the official Ferrari-Maserati test driver.
 

Overall pole position at Lime Rock was taken by the number 1 Champion Audi in the LMP1 class. “This is a new track for both the drivers and the team," said Maserati Reparto Corse boss Claudio Berro after the qualifying session. "Given where we qualified, race strategy will be particularly important. It is difficult to overtake on this circuit, so we must have a very well executed race." Maserati its competing in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) for the first time this year. They are running the MC12, which is prepared in compliance with the rules of IMSA and which matches FIA GT1 specifications. The ballast has been progressively reduced since the start of the year, and now for the fourth race, stands at just 10kg. The team is not however eligible to score points for the ALMS Championship.

The No. 4 factory-entered Chevrolet Corvette C6-R is on the GT1 class pole for the second straight race after Olivier Beretta posted a fastest lap of 50.170 seconds. Beretta, who will split driving duties with Oliver Gavin, set the unbeaten time in the opening five minutes and was 0.4 seconds ahead of the No. 3 sister Corvette C6-R of Ron Fellows (50.506), who will team with Johnny O'Connell. It was Beretta's 15th career ALMS pole, which moved him into first place in series history and breaking a tie with Fellows. Beretta and Gavin are coming off their second straight class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans about two weeks ago. The ACEMCO Motorsports Saleen S7-R of Johnny Mowlem and Terry Borcheller initially qualified in third (51.148), just fractions ahead of the Maserati (51.170), but the pair's time was disallowed after the car, which features improved aerodynamics, including a larger rear wing, for this race, failed a stall test.

The New England Grand Prix will start this afternoon, Monday July 4, May 22 at 3pm local time, and finishes at 6 pm.