Giovanni Sgro (Maserati Corse) : "Racing is in Maserati's DNA

If you followed the last 24 Hours of Spa closely, it will not have escaped your notice that the Maserati MC12s once again took to the track in Spa, much to the delight of the fans present at the circuit or at home in front of the screen. Let's face it, the brand from Modena will be back in GT next season. We are no longer talking about GT1, we are not (yet) talking about GT3 but about GT2. The category imagined by Stéphane Ratel seduces one of the most emblematic brands of GT of the 2000s.

For its return to GT, Maserati is starting with the beautiful MC20. The Italian GT2 will compete with Audi, Brabham, KTM, Lamborghini and Mercedes from 2023. If the final rendering is similar to the visual, it is clear that the success will be there. In addition to the MC12 chassis #0000, an MC20 was on display in the Spa-Francorchamps paddock, where the brand has won three times in the GT1 era.

Read more: Maserati makes its return to GT racing official with the MC20 GT2

"It is time for Maserati to return to GT racing," said Giovanni Tommaso Sgro, boss of Maserati Corse, to Endurance-Info. "The release of the MC20 two years ago was already a first step. Now this return is very concrete. We have the Formula E, Project24 and now the MC20 GT2."

Maserati was exhibiting a road-going MC20 at Spa, as it is still some months away from the GT2 version that will compete in the Fanatec GT2 European Series championship in 2023, which will include six meetings: Monza, Red Bull Ring, Dijon, Algarve, Valencia, Paul Ricard. The MC20 GT2 is expected to make its debut mid-season in 2023. The price of the car is 395,000 euros.

"The GT2 category is very interesting," says the Maserati Corse boss. "It's a great platform and a great showcase for the brand. Racing is in the DNA of Maserati."

Maserati's objective is to build 50 cars in five years, but the manufacturer says it is flexible according to customer demand. Because of its size and power, there is no question of the MC20 being used in GT4. But what about a future in GT3?

"The focus is clearly on the GT2 category", explains Sgro. "We're taking it step by step, even if, as I said, competition is in our blood. Maserati is already starting very high with GT2. For the rest, we will see later. Maserati has different options for the future but it is prudent to focus on what has been announced. We already need to win in Formula E and GT2."

In addition to the two sports programmes, Maserati has announced the production of an extreme car codenamed Project24. The final name will be announced later.