It promises to be an intense year with the Maserati MC12s called up to play a starring role in what will be the car's last appearance in the series.

From next year, the SRO - the organisation that runs the FIA GT championship - will change the regulations and exclude the current GT1 cars. This is why the Vitaphone Racing Team MC12s will be out to defend Bertolini/Bartels' Drivers' title as well as the Team crown that the German squad have claimed four years running.

The current economic crisis has reshuffled the race calendar and the long transfer to San Luis, in Argentina, has been replaced by a weekend at Paul Ricard. One new track appears on 20 September - Portimao in Portugal - and while the race at Spa will definitely take place, the Belgian classic will not play a decisive role in the title race as the points on offer will no longer be doubled.