The fourth round in the Maserati Trofeo MC World Series will be the last European meet in the single-make series. After this leg come events in the United States, at California’s Infineon circuit on 23 September, and in Shanghai, China, on 4 November. This weekend’s action will unfold at Paul Ricard, in the south of France, where 25 crews will battle it out for European Series titles.
There are only a few drivers in with a title shot in the ‘Absolute’ standings. The first driver in contention is Belgian Renaud Kuppens on 105 points; he also leads the Team classification. His title bid was helped by a solid showing at Imola where he won the endurance event and also collected a second and a third spot. Chasing him is the Giuseppe Fascicolo/Giorgio Sernagiotto crew on 85 points with Alan Simoni/Riccardo Ragazzi just a point further back after pocketing their first win of the season at the Romagna track. Simoni/Ragazzi also lead Trofeo table with 109 points, just five up on Fascicolo/Sernagiotto.
The Belgian driver’s lead is a healthy one but the others will be looking to close the gap in the two 40-minute races programmed for Paul Ricard.
In the N.33 Bowers & Wilkins car, used by guest journalists, will be Christian Gebhardt (from Auto Sport magazine) and Japanese driver Shinichi Katsura (Genroq).
Video clips will be available in the days following the races at www.thenewsmarket.com with in-depth reports, classifications, photos and driver interviews published on the www.maseraticorse.com portal. Eurosport will show highlights from Paul Ricard over the coming weeks.
RMC (Radio Monte Carlo) is the Trofeo’s media partner. Each round of the championship will be presented on the weekly RMC motori and RMC ‘Music & Sport’ slots. This time there will be broadcasts from the French circuit with a series of interviews. For more information, updates, interviews, a photogallery and videos, visit the Blog Sport section at www.radiomontecarlo.net .
The programme
Friday 20 July
12.50 – 13.35 Free practice 1
17.50 – 18.35 Free practice 2
Saturday 21 July
12.35 – 12.55 Qualifying 1
18.55 – 19.15 Qualifying 2
Sunday 22 July
10.45 – 11.25 Race 1
16.55 – 17.35 Race 2