The new championship is set to visit major racing circuits around the region with rounds planned to take place at key Formula One tracks including Abu Dhabi. While F1 is at present dragging out a decision over whether it should reschedule the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix, the Trofeo Maserati has no qualms about putting a race at this track on the forthcoming calendar despite the state's suppression of pro-democracy protests with the assistance of Saudi Arabian troops that has caused a global outcry. The series will also visit Qatar’s MotoGP-hosting Losail Circuit as well as the Dubai Autodrome in the UAE.

Like its European counterpart, gentlemen drivers from across the Middle East will be able to sign up for the ‘arrive-and-drive’ championship. The cars are supplied and maintained by Maserati to ensure identical performance across the grid. The Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo has already proved its race capabilities in the region after two cars were entered into the 2010-2011 UAE GT Championship and secured three race victories out of a total of six podium finishes.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo is the racing version of the GranTurismo. The racer's set up is tuned for the track use, keeping the optimal weight balance of the road-going car. It is powered by a 488bhp 4.7-litre V8 engine which drives the rear wheels through a paddle-shift gearbox which is able to change gears in just 60 milliseconds.

Packages on offer to drivers allow the drivers to compete individually or in a pair for the season. All-inclusive costs range from $135,000 to $145,000 depending on the options chosen. The packages include the logistical management of the car, technical assistance at the circuit, a Maserati Trofeo race suit and VIP hospitality for driver and his guests. The formula for each race weekend will consist of two free practice sessions lasting 40 minutes, two qualifying sessions of 20 minutes and two races of 30 minutes duration.

Umberto Cini, Managing Director of Maserati Middle East & Africa, is looking forward to the championship, and he says: “The launch of the Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK Middle East is extremely important for the company, as it’s the first time we offer the Trofeo outside its home in Europe. With full support from the factory, we believe the Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK Middle East offers a unique platform for drivers in the region who are looking for a competitive championship racing with the exclusive benefits of racing with a brand like Maserati.”

Cheerag Arya, CEO of JBF RAK, had this to say of the championship. “We are very happy to be part of this exciting new milestone for Maserati. As an exclusive brand, Maserati is recognised for its prestigious cars and we look forward to the arrival of the Trofeo Championship to the Middle East.”

The Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK Middle East is set to debut in November 2011, with races taking place throughout the winter months into early 2012. Dubai Autodrome General Executive Hamish Brown commented, “Maserati have a experience and success in running this type of series over the years. I look forward to meeting with the organisers to explore the way forward for the Maserati Trofeo series in the Middle East.”