Maserati MSG Racing has got the green light to showcase their development car at this weekend’s Monaco E-Prix for some marketing shenanigans. The team managed to secure special permission to have former Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat take the wheel of their test car for a single lap ‘parade’ on both Saturday and Sunday. However, they’ve been told to keep the car’s speed and power in check for the occasion.
The stewards released a sporting notes bulletin confirming that they had received a request from the team for this activity and gave the go-ahead under certain conditions. The bulletin stated, “the competitor is allowed to use the Stellantis Development FE car with the competitor’s livery. It will be running with non-confidential tires, driven by Daniil Kvyat for a maximum of one lap (out-inlap), at a maximum power limited to 110kW and at a maximum speed of 50 kph behind a leading car.”
Kvyat, who previously drove for Stellantis’ other team, DS Penske, participated in the Rookie Free Practice Session at this year’s Jeddah E-Prix and finished fifth. He also tested for NIO (now known as Cupra Kiro as a Porsche customer) in 2023, driving at the Berlin Rookie Test and the Rookie Free Practice Session at that year’s Rome E-Prix.
This activity holds extra significance for the Maserati team as it is their home event led by Monaco Sports Group. Monaco is a place where the Maserati brand has a rich history in grand prix racing, dating back to the early years of their 100 years of racing. Marla Conti, head of Maserati Corse, expressed, “Monaco holds a special place in our hearts, not only for its iconic track but also for our wealth of motorsport heritage. Maserati has important motorsport memories here, where we won in 1948, 1956, and 1957, triumphs that testify to our long-lasting motorsport heritage. At the same time, the Maserati MSG Racing team is eager to tackle their home circuit, feeling the weight of history on our shoulders on these legendary roads. This race is no ordinary event: it is a celebration of our past and a step towards our future, as we begin the countdown to Maserati’s 100 years in racing.”
The team seems thrilled to be able to participate in such a prestigious event and to honor their racing legacy. Kvyat, on the other hand, must be feeling the pressure of representing the team in this unique activity. Not really sure why this matters, but it’s definitely a cool opportunity for the team to showcase their development car at such a historic location like Monaco. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like this event will be a memorable one for both Maserati MSG Racing and for fans of the brand.
In conclusion, the Monaco E-Prix will not only be a race but a celebration of Maserati’s rich history in motorsport. The team’s special permission to run their development car with Daniil Kvyat at the wheel adds an exciting element to the weekend’s events. Fans and enthusiasts alike will surely be looking forward to seeing the iconic Maserati brand in action once again on the historic streets of Monaco.
