Circuit: "Dijon-Prenois", lenght 3,800 km
Meteo: clear, air temperature 24° C
Cars:
- n° 1: Maserati MC12; chassis n° 15439 Drivers: Andrea Bertolini (I) - Michael Bartels (D)
- n° 2: Maserati MC12; chassis n° 15443 Drivers: Jamie Davies (UK) - Thomas Biagi (I)

Qualifying ahead of the sixth round of the FIA GT championship was held today on the French circuit of Dijon-Prenois. Jamie Davies and Thomas Biagi's Maserati MC12 claimed a place on row one with the second best time of 1'15"347. The Trident crew was just seven tenths from the pole crew of Bert-Janis (Saleen S7 R, 1'14"623). Englishman Davies, at the wheel during the official session, outclassed Wendlinger-Peter's Aston Martin, third in 1'15"377. The second Maserati MC12, driver by Michael Bartels-Andrea Bertolini, will start from the third row having set the sixth best time of 1'15"562, despite having an extra 85kg on board. Of the five races disputed, Bartels-Bertolini's Maserati MC12 has been successful on three occasions: Silverstone (England), Oschersleben (Germany) and in Belgium where they triumphed in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.


The 15 minute warm up is programmed for 8.30 tomorrow, Sunday 3 September. The green light to mark the start of the three hour race will shine at 13.30.

Jamie Davies
"Compared to yesterday's free practice, we managed to settle on a well balanced car. Thanks also to Pirelli - with whom we developed tyres used right here at Dijon during a test session in April. We made a few modifications to the MC12 for the race. This will eliminate some understeer that, on such a windy track, results in us losing precious tenths".

Andrea Bertolini
"Here at Dijon the situation is similar to the last race at Paul Ricard. With the ballast we had on board, it was difficult to do better than row three. So, we are satisfied as Dijon, with its rises, falls and slow curves, provides a full workout. My companion, Bartels, was perfect".

FIA GT Championship: qualifying at Dijon
1. Menten-Belloc (Corvette C6R) 1'52"841; 2. Davies-Biagi (Maserati MC12) 1'52"961; 3. Longin-Kumpen-Hezemans (Corvette C6R) 1'53"231; 4. Wendlinger-Peter (Aston Martin DBR9) 1'53"827; 5. Bartels-Bertolini (Maserati MC12) 1'54"652; 6. Gollin-Babini (Aston Martin DBR9) 1'54"825; 7. Pescatori-Ramos-Malucelli (Aston Martin DBR9) 1'54"976; 8. Balfe-Taylor (Saleen S7R) 1'57"335

FIA GT Championship for Drivers (after five races):
1. Bartels and Bertolini 45; 3. Piccini and Deletraz 38; 5. Bert 32; 6. Janis 31; 7. Babini 28; 8. Hezemans, Longin and Kumpen 24; 11. Gollin 21,5; 12. Davies, Biagi 20; 14. Lemeret, Fassler and Van de Poele 18

Teams:
1. Vitaphone Racing Team 65; 2. Aston Martin Racing BMS 38,5; 3. Phoenix Motorsport 38; 4. Zakspeed 32; 5. GLPK Carsport 24.

Manufacturers:
1. Aston Martin 92; 2. Maserati 65; 3. Corvette 41; 4. Saleen 33; 5. Lamborghini 3