OzRacingWrap

With just days until the 2012 Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour, the Maranello Motorsport crew have been applying the final touches of livery to their striking Il Bello Rosso Ferrari 458 GT3 before heading to the mountain where they have already staked a claim with German endurance superstar Simonsen’s record time when their 12 Hour entry was debuted late last year.

Having taken delivery of the 458 GT3 some months ago directly from the Michelotto factory, Maranello Motorsport continues to receive factory support through final preparations for the first event of the 2012 season. Michelotto engineers are soon due to arrive at Mount Panorama to assist in ensuring the Il Bello Rosso entry is at the top of its game, and ripe for the pickings of possible victory.

This year, the proudly Australian based team brings the all-star line-up of European endurance professionals, Simonsen and Farnbacher, along with Australian racing legend, John Bowe and businessman come race driver, Peter Edwards. The German pilots, sharing vast experience with the 458 machines, are keen to hit one of the world’s most challenging circuits here in Australia, while local driver, Bowe is ready for the year’s first challenge, explaining,

“I’m delighted to compete in such a professional Australian team.

“We’ve got a great line-up of drivers, a really good car, and an outstanding support team, all the ingredients you need to combine for success.

“Our international drivers are very well credentialed, and while I haven’t had many laps in the car yet, as a team unit, it’s the year for us to really rattle the cages of our international guests. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

Maranello Motorsport’s Managing Director, Mark Coffey, is also confident in the home crew after successful outings for the entry so far, saying,

“We knew the car would be an outstanding machine, and with the success of debut, a positive test with Bowe at Phillip Island recently, and knowing the work our crew have put in with the ongoing support from the Michelotto factory staff, we’ve got a great race package.

“Bathurst is always a tough place to be learning, and while we’ve got some impressive international entries to up the challenge this time around, there’s no reason why it can’t be the Il Bello Rosso Ferrari taking the chequered flag.”

With this season’s commitment moving up another gear in the garage, keep an eye on the Il Bello Rosso 458 GT3 as the Australian’s take on The Mountain ready to keep the silverware at home.

Maranello Motorsport’s Bathurst 12 Hour campaign is proudly supported by Il Bello Rosso – Baby Roma Tomatoes, General Pants Co, BioMax, iPatrol and GPI Corporate.