Circuit: Autodromo del Mugello (5.245 km – short version 2.760 km)Drivers: Johnny Herbert, Fabrizio De Simone, Mika Salo and Andrea BertoliniCar: MC12Weather: Air temperature 22/25C, track temperature 23/31C; cloudy.

The drivers who will pilot the stunning new Maserati MC12 next weekend (5 September) at its debut in the FIA GT championship were announced yesterday.

One team is composed of the Englishman, Johnny Herbert, and Italian Fabrizio De Simone. For both drivers, yesterday’s session was their first opportunity to try the MC12.

The Finn Mika Salo and the Italian Andrea Bertolini make up the other team.

The two Maserati MC12 racing cars completed the last preparatory test yesterday, at Mugello in Italy. The drivers who will make up the crews took turns at the wheel of the two cars, to be marshalled by AF Corse on race days.

The day’s technical programme was wrapped up successfully. Bertolini, in particular, worked on selecting the best Pirelli PZero tyres set up.

At the same time on the Tuscan circuit, the Swiss driver Iradj Alexander tested the new 2005 Maserati Trofeo kit, a car that will feature in the well-established Trident single-marque series.