Master a Maserati
Driver education for a lifetime

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Each Maserati that leaves the Modena factory is underpinned by superlative engineering, a fact often mentioned in Maserati Monthly. Powered by a Ferrari-assembled V8 engine, fed through either a ZF automatic transmission or the marvelous new MC Shift gearbox, with double-wishbone suspension, Brembo brakes with opposed-piston fixed calipers, weight distribution optimized for performance and roadholding, each and every GranTurismo and Quattroporte is capable of breathtaking performance, handling and maneuverability.

Naturally, words can only convey a pale imitation of what all that technology actually does; and even a test drive is limited, both in duration and in what the traffic laws allow. So if you want to discover for yourself just how hard a current Maserati can be pushed, you really need to do it on a track, with expert guidance and instruction – and where better than at Maserati's own track in Italy? Those world-class ingredients are what set the Maserati Master GT courses apart and makes attending the course an experience you will remember for life.

Held at the Varano De’ Melegari track in the Parma region of Italy, it should be made clear that the two-day Maserati Master GT is not a ‘track’ course – although lapping the track is one of the enjoyable elements. The aim of the course is not to turn you into a racecar driver but to improve your driving skills – to allow participants to understand the skills which can make a crucial difference in real-world driving. Handling sudden skids, dealing with slippery conditions, emergency braking and steering, all are explained clearly, and then demonstrated by the instructors – all of whom are professional racing drivers. Attendees then try the exercises for themselves, and get feedback and encouragement from the tutors.

Laps of the track, to get an understanding of just what a road going Maserati is capable of, are done in cars with telemetry, so that feedback can be reinforced by looking at the results on paper and computer monitors, which will highlight any areas of technique that need further work. Cars used for the course are the Quattroporte Sport GT S, the GranTurismo, and the GranTurismo S and Quattroporte S with the new 4.7-liter engine.

A step beyond the Master GT course is the High Performance course, aimed at the truly committed driver who wishes to achieve the highest level of technical driving proficiency, still aimed primarily at the street. Using a specialized personal program, the 2-day course includes greater concentration on perfecting the approach to track driving, again with telemetry to provide the all-important feedback.

The 2009 calendar has been announced, and various Master GT courses will run from April to October. There are just two opportunities to take the High Performance course – one in June, the other in October. Make sure you do not miss out on the chance of a once-in-a-lifetime trip, the opportunity to receive expert tuition from professional racing drivers and to do what many of us dream about: put a Maserati through its paces on a race track, being urged on by an instructor. Further details can be found on the Maserati North America website or contact your authorized Maserati dealer to book your place on a Maserati driving course.