24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps Archives

The Trident has returned in full force. Maserati, the iconic Italian marque with racing in its blood, made a commanding presence at the legendary CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, marking a symbolic moment in its countdown to a century of motorsport history. With deep ties to Spa-Francorchamps and a legacy built on passion, performance, and prestige, Maserati’s appearance this year was far more than ceremonial—it was a triumphant statement.

A Celebration of Legends Past

At the heart of the week’s festivities stood the MCXtrema, Maserati’s wild, track-only creation, wearing a bespoke livery that echoed the past while charging into the future. Serving as the official Leading Car for the 2025 edition of the race, the MCXtrema paid tribute to a golden moment: the 20th anniversary of the MC12’s unforgettable 2005 victory at Spa, achieved in unpredictable weather by the legendary Vitaphone Racing Team trio—Michael Bartels, Timo Scheider, and Eric van de Poele.

That win, followed by further triumphs in 2006 and 2008, cemented the MC12’s place in motorsport history and elevated Maserati to near-mythic status in GT racing. Today, the MCXtrema honors that heritage—not merely through its aggressive silhouette and raw power, but through a symbolic blue and black livery adorned with a bold Trident, the names of Maserati’s icons, and the circuits where the brand left its mark.

Leading the traditional parade of GT cars through the city of Spa, the MCXtrema, driven by none other than multiple world champion Andrea Bertolini, was more than just a showpiece—it was a roaring reminder of Maserati’s enduring presence and relevance in top-tier motorsport.

Back on Track in the GT2 Arena

While the MCXtrema ruled the streets, Maserati’s GT2 program returned to the grid for Round 3 of the GT2 European Series by Pirelli. The #7 DINAMIC Motorsport GT2, piloted by Roberto Pampanini and Mauro Calamia (Pro-Am class), and the #1 LP Racing GT2 with Philippe Prette (Am class), showcased the marque’s competitive ambitions in modern GT racing.

Their participation signifies more than just points on a leaderboard—it reflects Maserati’s strategic and spirited return to racing, with eyes set on victories that will carry the brand into its centennial year in 2026.

A Complete Support Role – Maserati Takes Over Spa

Beyond the grid, Maserati provided a full fleet of support vehicles for the 24-hour spectacle. From Safety Cars to Medical Cars, the Italian brand’s modern range was everywhere. The line-up featured the MCXtrema, the GT2 Stradale, and the MC20, along with two versions of the Grecale SUV—one packing the fire-breathing 530-hp Nettuno V6 in the Trofeo trim, the other showcasing Maserati’s all-electric future with the Grecale Folgore.

This collaboration with SRO Motorsports Group represents more than logistics—it’s a fusion of motorsport tradition and the technological evolution of one of Italy’s most storied manufacturers.

A Road to 100 Years of Racing Excellence

Speaking from the paddock, Maria Conti, Head of Maserati Corse, reflected on the brand’s dual mission. “Celebrating the MC12’s historic victory with the MCXtrema is not only about honoring the past,” she said. “It’s also about embracing our next chapter. With every lap, every car, and every celebration, we’re writing the story that leads to our 100th year in motorsport.”

That story began nearly a century ago in 1926, when the Maserati Tipo 26 claimed class victory at the Targa Florio with Alfieri Maserati at the wheel. Today, the Trident’s journey continues—electrified, globalized, and forever driven by passion.

A Future Anchored in Heritage

As the engines cooled and the champagne flowed at Spa, one truth stood clear: Maserati’s past may be glorious, but its future is electric—figuratively and literally. The brand’s modern range, from the GranTurismo Folgore to the GT2 Stradale, reflects a new vision rooted in old values: performance, elegance, and Italian soul.

As the 2026 centenary approaches, and with Spa once again echoing the sound of Maserati engines, the legend rolls on.

Source: Maserati

Gallery:

Maserati MCXtrema Honors Racing Heritage at the 24 Hours of Spa

Three years after Ferrari’s dramatic reveal of the 296 GT3 at the iconic 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the Prancing Horse returns to Belgium’s Ardennes forest with another evolutionary leap — the Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo. The legendary GT endurance race, a mainstay of the global calendar, once again plays host as Ferrari debuts its upgraded GT3 challenger, refined through the crucible of international motorsport.

A Proven Pedigree, Refined

Ferrari didn’t start from scratch. The 296 GT3 Evo is built on a foundation already proven on the world stage. Since its 2022 debut, the 296 GT3 has claimed five major titles, including a dominant run in the GT World Challenge Endurance Cup’s Pro class, while also securing victories at the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. In just 343 races, it has amassed 140 wins, 405 podiums, and 56 pole positions — a staggering resume that few GT cars in history can match.

This new Evo version is the result of an intensive development process that combines customer feedback, two seasons of competition data, and the technical insights from Ferrari’s LMGT3 program in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Powertrain: Familiar Heart, Sharper Tools

Under the skin, the 3.0-liter 120° twin-turbo V6 remains untouched — and rightly so. Praised for its compactness, weight balance, and explosive torque delivery, the engine continues to be mounted lower and farther forward than in the road-going 296 GTB, contributing to a lower center of gravity and improved chassis stiffness. The unit is tilted by two degrees to enhance diffuser packaging, a critical element for aero efficiency.

Where evolution takes hold is in the gearbox. Engineers have introduced an optimized gear ratio cascade, fine-tuned for better torque delivery across a broader speed range. The changes reflect two years of racing telemetry, helping to make the Evo more versatile on diverse circuits and conditions.

Aerodynamics: Fighting in the Slipstream

The biggest leap comes in aerodynamics. While the 296 GT3 already maxed out vertical load under current GT3 regulations, Ferrari’s team zeroed in on aerodynamic stability — particularly in traffic. Endurance racing often forces cars to run in dirty air, and the Evo is better equipped to cope.

Key updates include:

A revised front splitter and floor, optimized vortex generators, and new bumper appendages.
A redesigned rear diffuser, with more efficient channeling and expansion volumes.
New front wheel arch louvers, improving rear intake airflow even while drafting.

Ferrari has leaned heavily on CFD simulations and wind tunnel testing, improving its ability to model complex airflow scenarios. The result is a car that holds its aerodynamic balance in the most chaotic racing conditions, offering drivers greater confidence and consistency.

Functional Changes You Can See

Visually, the Evo introduces dual front bonnet intakes, enhancing cockpit and brake cooling — now delivering 20% more airflow to the front discs. Also borrowed from the LMGT3 is a redesigned rear wing, now featuring a quick-adjust system first seen on the WEC car, allowing for tool-less angle changes during setup or in pit lane.

Other key exterior tweaks include:

A revised rear wheel arch, adapted to accommodate a wider variety of tire types.
Repositioned mirrors, now angled and mounted for better visibility and reduced vibration — a direct result of vibration frequency analysis and CFD studies.

Chassis, Suspension & Driver Focus

Mechanical changes aren’t forgotten. The Evo benefits from new suspension kinematics front and rear, aimed at reducing component loads and improving reliability. The changes also simplify setup work in the pits — a nod to Ferrari’s continued commitment to “modularity” in race operations.

Inside, the driver-centric cockpit retains its core philosophy: intuitive controls, strong ergonomics, and robust safety. However, Ferrari has addressed one key comfort issue: air conditioning performance. A new supplemental fan boosts airflow, crucial for driver stamina in endurance stints.

Future-Proofed for 2026 and Beyond

With homologation pending final aero tweaks, the 296 GT3 Evo will make its racing debut in the 2026 season. Importantly for Ferrari’s global customer base, the Evo will also be offered as a retrofit kit, ensuring current 296 GT3 teams can upgrade without investing in a whole new chassis.

Source: Ferrari

Gallery: