Maserati confirms return to GT2 racing

Maserati MC20-based racer with slick aero package is spiritual successor to MC12 GT1.

A racing version of the Maserati MC20 supercar has been announced ahead of the 2023 Fanatec GT2 European Series, kitted out in an aggressive carbonfibre aero package.

Along with a host of other weight-reduction changes, the Maserati MC20 GT2 weighs around 1250kg, matching the hardcore Maserati Project24 track car that was unveiled last week. This is 100kg lighter than the Audi R8 LMS GT2 and puts the MC20 GT2 on a par with the Brabham BT63 GT2 that was unveiled in 2021.

The MC20 GT2 retains the road-going car’s 460kW 3.0-litre V6 engine, but is expected to have its power reduced in accordance with Balance of Performance rules. These limit engine power or add weight ballast – or both – to level the playing field, and the aforementioned Brabham’s 1250kg weight gives it up to 440kW.

The MC20 GT2’s power-to-weight ratio is 353kW per tonne, 49kW per tonne better than the regular MC20. Combined with slick tyres and bigger, ventilated brakes, this means the MC20 GT2 should accelerate, stop and steer with more purpose than the already-sensational road car.

The MC20 GT2’s interior is likely to mirror that of the Project24, with a racing-specific pedal box, roll-cage and steering column, plus a carbonfibre multifunction steering wheel. Many of the road-going car’s features, including its touchscreen infotainment system, rounded steering wheel and chunky Alcantara-trimmed bucket seats, are therefore set to be omitted.

Nonetheless, some luxuries remain: air conditioning, ABS and traction control are standard, while an interior video camera, rear-view camera display and tyre pressure monitoring system are optional.

Maserati has not announced if the MC20 GT2 will go on public sale.