Alongside the world FIA GT champion, Andrea Bertolini, was two-time winner (2006 and 2010) of the Giro d’Italia, Ivan Basso. The cycling star enjoyed a lap of the track on board Bertolini’s Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo.

“I have been passionate about Maserati ever since I was a kid. This ‘love’ has stuck with me and I have been lucky enough to have driven a few. Whenever I can, I like to attend meets like this and, next autumn with my mate Giulio Pastore (a Maserati manager), I will take part in a driving course”.

When will we see you make the switch from two to four wheels?
“First I will focus on cycling and then we’ll see…”

How important is your taking part in the next Tour de France?
“I make no secret about it: it is the main aim this season and of my career. I will try to be up there with the leaders in July”.

Who, in your opinion, could be a threat?
“It depends on who turns up but, if they appear, I would say the Schelck brothers, ex-world champion Cadel Evans, Contador, Samuel Sanchez; I think these are my main rivals”.

Who will win this year’s Giro?
“Nibali, I hope… (Basso’s team-mate, ed)”.