Mark today’s date on the calendar in red: Maserati officially returns to the world of four-wheel racing. The house of the Trident will be at the start of the 2023 Formula E season, a situation in which the full electric single-seater category will race the long-awaited Gen3, a car that on paper promises an important performance boost.
For Maserati this is a historic step: the house founded in 1914 is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious in terms of history and palmarés globally, thanks to its success in the 1954 and ’57 Formula 1 World Championships – signed by Juan Manuel Fangio – in addition to the extraordinary streak of successes in the FIA GT daughter of that iconic and legendary car that responds to the name of MC12.
With these premises, it is absolutely not legitimate to expect a role as a deuteragonist for the Trident, which officially returns to competitions since 2009. Formula E represents the launching pad chosen for market logic, which sees the Modena house looking for a showcase to promote its electrification strategy that will involve the new models, from the Levante to the Grecale, passing through GranTurismo, GranCabrio and Quattroporte.
“Back to the Future, back to Race”. This is the slogan chosen to celebrate the event, as explained in person by Davide Grassi, COO of Maserati. “We are the first Italian brand to enter Formula E, it is a very happy moment for us. Racing is in Maserati’s DNA, the house would not be complete if it did not compete. We have made this decision in the last two and a half years, now we have technology, reference partner and everything we need. Formula E is a global category, close to people and the new idea of electric mobility: the combination of all these situations has pushed us to compete in this category “.
“We strongly want to develop a synergy that allows us to transfer technological know-how from the track to the road. For example, with the Neptune engine that equips the MC20 we have already achieved this goal, borrowing the knowledge directly from Formula 1. We also want the same result. for our electric cars, from which we expect a boost with the entry into this category “, continues Grassi.
These words are echoed by the statements of Jean-Marc Finot, Director of Stellantis Motorsport. “Our commercial strategy involves the use of electrified powertrains, as Maserati we want to be at the top among the brands that implement this technology. To develop it and get to know it better, the natural passage was the arrival in Formula E. Maserati has a history of innovation and creativity applied to rope cars. We are only at the first step of an important return to racing strategy, but we will reveal more in the coming weeks “.
And in the next few weeks, the officialization of the team on which the Trident will lean is expected, as well as the names of the riders, on which the most absolute secret still remains. Although something could leak from this clue that is revealed at the press conference by the transalpine manager. “We had the opportunity to converse with various drivers, some of whom already involved in Formula E and therefore rich in experience, while others who were already linked to Maserati. We want to be ready for when we get back to racing, but the official will arrive anyway in a few week”.
The Stellantis group is involved in Formula E with DS, a team that has won the championship on two occasions. The risk of abandoning Citroen’s premium brand, however, can be ruled out. Indeed, he will be in effect an opponent linked to Maserati, as Finot himself underlines. “I confirm that we will continue our commitment in the category with both brands. They will both be important laboratories for Stellantis, we will use different teams and with different strategies. Obviously they will be free to race against each other”.
Also happy Alejandro Agag, founder and promoter of Formula E. “This is one of the brightest days of Formula E. Rejoicing in the entry of Maserati, one of the most prestigious brands in automotive history, is something incredible for us. . With Maserati we will take a sensational step forward, I can only thank those who made this possible. “
The Spanish manager then goes further when asked what type of energy will be used to recharge the batteries of Formula E in the future, since today glycerin and diesel generators are used, not exactly in line with the green idea that the championship wants to convey. “We have two options for obtaining energy in the future: obtaining it from totally renewable sources, such as solar energy, or exploiting biofuels. If I had to choose, I would prefer photovoltaics, I would like to leave biofuels as Plan B. Of course, at the moment where electric cars are put on the track but they have to be recharged with fossil fuels, we have done a good job to make motorsport greener, but we are only halfway there “.
In closing, then, a cryptic question emerges about the possible return of Maserati to Formula 1. A situation, at the moment, directly denied by Grassi. “Only time will tell if we will return to Formula 1. Maserati has won with Fangio, F1 is the leading motorsport championship worldwide. If I had to give an answer today it would be out of place, despite the expectations of my friend and CEO of Liberty Media. Stefano Domenicali … “.
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