Maserati in Formula E, interviews Thomas Biagi, the last champion of the house

The Trident brand will show off on the nose of the Formula E single-seaters starting from the 2023 season, when Maserati will return to compete, making its debut in the World Championship reserved for zero-emission cars. The announcement of the modenese’s return to the race did not leave motorsport fans indifferent. Suffice it to say that Maserati at the beginning of the third millennium was the real ruler of racing reserved for Gran Turismo. Among the protagonists at the wheel Thomas Biagi, driver from Bologna born in 1976, in 2007 winner of the Fia GT endurance championship in the “queen” class with the Maserati MC12 of the Vitaphone Racing team.

MASERATI: RETURN TO RACES

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A golden age for Maserati. In fact, between 2005 and 2009, the unforgettable MC12 dictated the “law” in the Fia GT. In addition to the style of rare beauty, the Italian supercar exploited uncommon aerodynamic qualities that enhanced the power of the 6-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine capable of delivering 630 horsepower, so much so that the racing supercar exceeded 330 km / h top speed. A domination in GT1 that lasted five years until the last season of the competitive international series (2009). “I participated in that project from the very beginning – Biagi tells on the phone – The Maserati MC12 took part in the entire Fia GT season in 2005, but already the previous year ran in three races outside the standings. Maserati had a dream team directed by Claudio Berro. The car was beautiful to look at and unbeatable, it left only crumbs to the opponents despite race to race, and from season to season, with the Balance of Performance they tried to limit its supremacy “.

Biagi, what did you think about the announcement of Maserati’s return to racing, starting in 2023 in Formula E?
“I’ll be frank: I learned it with amazement, I was not aware of it. I hope to be proved wrong by the facts, but the choice seems to me to be dictated by a communication operation, considering that in FE the chassis and engine will not be produced by Maserati. I think that participation in the championship is in line with a progressive electrification of the road range. Without a doubt, however, I also appreciate this news because it gives the opportunity to train the staff for racing and get them used to a competitive environment. Even if I dream of something else … “.

Or?
“Considering that Maserati has produced the MC20, a beautiful supercar that recalls the name of the legendary MC12, I would be delighted if I knew of a return to racing with covered wheels, perhaps in the GT3 category. In any case, seeing the Maserati brand on the track is always nice ”.

How do you remember the Fia GT season with Maserati which saw its victory in 2007?
“I think all car enthusiasts remember that period with nostalgia. We had a squadron, among the other pilots there were colleagues of the caliber of Andrea Bertolini, Mika Salo, Johnny Herbert. In 2007 I won the title in the last race by finishing third in Zolder: there was an incredible pressure because I was the only rider who had remained in the running for the victory that year with the MC12. And then the victory paired with Mika Salo at the Silverstone Tourist Trophy, writing our name on a roll of honor where people like Jackie Stewart and Jacky Ickx stand out ”.

How was the Maserati MC12 once you got inside the passenger compartment?
“First of all it was beautiful. In my career I have driven many cars, including Formula 1 despite never having participated in a GP, but I have never tried a more beautiful car to drive than the Maserati MC12. The naturally aspirated 6-liter engine ‘sang’ in a fantastic way, and then many details, from the sequential gearbox and not at the steering wheel, to the carbon brakes, to the huge downforce made it a racing car with a capital initial. It was going so fast that every race they forced us, with the BoP, to limit it. Suffice it to say that from 2005 to 2006 they made us reduce the rear wing by 30% and forced us to redo the project of the front body, effectively ‘shortening’ the nose, and then they made us reduce the engine power trying to cripple ours. thoroughbred horse. What remained, however, the car to beat “.