www.QV500.com - Maserati MC12 Part 4: MC12 Competizione '05

For the 2005 season, Maserati had to produce a new short-nose MC12, the first example of which was tested at Paul Ricard in January. The revised specification also included huge new carbon brakes, a new traction control system, a reworked exhaust system, a reduction of the aerodynamic surface area and a new undertray between the wheels. Customer teams then had their first taste of the 2005 MC12 in February, Vitaphone, JMB and Racing Box all getting to grips with a factory Competizione at Paul Ricard before their own cars were delivered in March.

Vitaphone and JMB would each be campaigning two cars in the FIA GT Championship whilst Team Racing Box had their sights firmly set on taking the Italian GT crown. Maserati themselves meanwhile were actively pursuing a works entry for the American Le Mans Series, but the ALMS championship was run to ACO regulations and not by the FIA. The ACO had in no uncertain terms declared the MC12 as unsuitable for any events sanctioned by them, this including the Le Mans Endurance Series, the Le Mans 24 Hour race and the American Le Mans Series. Although Maserati had reduced overall length to within the 5000mm permitted, it was still 66mm wider than the two-metre maximum and the rear overhang was still much longer than permitted. Unsurprisingly, the ACO's stance had not changed. However, in Febraury 2005, IMSA (the ALMS organisers) announced MC12's would be allowed to participate throughout 2005 as guests of the sanctioning body provoking a war of words between them and the ACO. As the MC12 was still too wide, it would be allowed to race but not score points until a narrow-bodied version could be built for 2006. The ALMS campaign would be a full factory effort with logistical support from Risi Competizione, just one MC12 seeing service initially although a second race car was planned for later in the season. At the opening round, the Sebring 12 Hours (above), the Maserati’s presence was formally protested by Aston Martin but their objections were thrown out.