Prette Seals Early GT2 European Crown at Zandvoort

The asphalt at Zandvoort still hummed with the residual heat of the final laps when Philippe Prette lifted his hands from the Maserati GT2 steering wheel. He had not merely won; he had erased the competition. Two races remained on the calendar, yet the Masters Cup championship was already his, a mathematical certainty sealed by a performance that left no margin for doubt. The red machine, with its long tail slicing through the Dutch air, sat in the winner’s circle while the crowd processed the scale of the turnaround.

It was a clean sweep. Prette claimed victory in both races, driving solo for LP Racing without a single error. The Monegasque driver did not hesitate when the opportunity to attack presented itself, executing overtakes with surgical precision. The result was a double triumph that cemented his status as the class’s definitive force, following his titles in 2024 and 2025. The car responded to his inputs with immediate, visceral feedback, a testament to the synergy between driver and machine.

Leadership Hails Consistent Dominance

Vincent Biard, head of Maserati Corse, viewed the weekend as a validation of the team’s strategic direction. He noted that Prette’s third consecutive title in the Masters category was not a fluke but the culmination of sustained excellence. The Maserati GT2 had demonstrated its speed across varying track conditions, proving its capability even in high-grip scenarios where other cars struggled. Biard emphasized that the vehicle’s performance was consistent, allowing the driver to push the limits without compromising reliability.

The success extended beyond the champion’s car. The broader Maserati contingent showed resilience, with the #8 and #7 entries from LP Racing and Dinamic Motorsport claiming podium finishes. Thomas Yu Lee and Niccolo Pirri secured third place in the first race, while Mauro Calamia and Roberto Pampanini replicated the feat in the second. Their performances highlighted the depth of talent within the Maserati Corse banner, proving that the platform supports multiple competitive crews simultaneously.

Pro-Am Crews Stage Comeback

Biard expressed particular satisfaction with the efforts of Calamia and Pampanini. Their race was marked by a significant setback, as they faced a penalty that pushed them back on the starting grid. Despite this disadvantage, they managed to claw their way forward, staging a fine comeback to secure the podium. This achievement underscored the competitive nature of the GT2 class, where Pro-Am teams could hold their own against the front-runners.

The incident served as a reminder of the category’s balance. It was not just about raw speed, but about tactical management and the ability to recover from adversity. The Maserati GT2 provided the performance foundation, but the drivers’ skill in navigating the penalty and rejoining the battle was decisive. Biard noted that these results demonstrated the car’s suitability for a wide range of drivers, from solo champions to co-driving teams.

Looking Ahead to Portimao

The season concludes in Portugal, with the final round scheduled for mid-October. With the championship already secured, the pressure shifts from competition to celebration. Biard sees this as an opportunity to showcase the car’s broader appeal. The Maserati GT2 is eligible for numerous series worldwide, including in the Americas, and the team hopes that the strong performance in Europe will attract more entries.

The goal for the final weekend is to have the largest grid of Maseratis yet. Biard believes that the demonstration of strength in the GT2 championship is an invitation for other teams and drivers to consider the car. The celebration in Portimao will honor Prette’s achievement while laying the groundwork for the 2027 season. It is a chance to close the year on a high note, with the red cars dominating the starting grid.