Maranello reveals MOMO Bathurst partnership

Maranello Motorsport has taken the covers off its new look for next month’s Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.

The Melbourne based squad will resurrect an iconic partnership between Ferrari and Italian automotive brand MOMO at the February 3-5 Mount Panorama classic.

The sponsorship deal will see the team’s Ferrari 488 GT3 run in the striking red and yellow MOMO branding made famous by Ferrari’s 333SP sportscar program during the 1990s.

Maranello Motorsport is expected to be one of the major players in the 2017 race, boasting an all-star driver line-up featuring Triple Eight Supercars stars Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes and Ferrari factory GT driver Toni Vilander.

The 2014 Bathurst 12 Hour winners have run in the colours of fast food outlet McDonald’s in the last two years.

“It is special to be representing Ferrari’s racing efforts at Mount Panorama, let alone to do it with such an iconic brand on our car as well,” said team boss Mark Coffey.

“A lot of effort and energy has gone into this campaign and we’re confident that we have the pieces of the puzzle in place to give Ferrari and MOMO the best possible chance to return to the top of the podium.”

In its new battledress, the car made its first appearance at a pre-event test at Phillip Island this week.

Gearbox issues prevented both Whincup and Lowndes from logging more than 10 laps at the Victorian circuit.

However the team will head back to the track on Friday for another test with new parts from Italy designed to eliminate the gear selection problems suffered.

Despite the car’s gremlins in testing, Coffey is happy with the way Whincup and Lowndes have slotted into the team.

“Craig (Lowndes) and Jamie (Whincup) have settled in well and Toni is so experienced that he will jump in the car in practice and be right on the money,” added Coffey.

“It’s an exciting time and we’re really looking forward to getting back to the Mountain.”