Maserati could compete in the Le Mans 24Hours for the first time after an agreement was reached between the FIA GT and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest to offer entries to four more teams in addition to those already pre-selected for the endurance classic.
Although Maserati have been one of the dominant forces in the GT1 based FIA GT Championship since they arrived in 2004, the Italian team has been unable to compete against Le Mans stalwarts Corvette, Ferrari and Aston Martin in the past due to various issues with regulations, as well as conflicts between the Le Mans Series and FIA GT Championship.
Nonetheless, while Maserati and their MC12 were once again missing from the 24-strong pre-selection group announced last week, a deal has since been struck between SRO Chariman Stephane Ratel and the president of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest Mr Jean-Claude Plassar to expand the pre-selection entry for four more teams, those that finished in the top two in the GT1 and GT2 classes.
This means Vitaphone Maserati have received an opportunity to take the fight to their rivals on a worldwide stage for the first time, while BMS Scuderia Italia have also been invited to compete again with their Aston Martin DBR9 after taking part in 2006.
As for the GT2 class, resounding winners AF Corse have been invited to compete for the first time, as have Scuderia Ecosse, who will be looking to improve on their third place this year.
Indeed, Ratel was delighted a deal had been struck, even if their participation still depends on necessary revisions needed bring the cars in-line with the regulations.
"As Administrator of the Le Mans Series, and Promoter of the FIA GT Championship, I feel it is essential that these two series should be able to grow in harmony, while each retaining its specific characteristics.
“I would like to thank the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and its President for the section of the four teams who, thanks to their brilliant results in a particularly high-level 2006 FIA GT Championship, definitely deserve a place on the starting grid of the world's most important Endurance race."
