The Maserati GT2's 2024 race campaign kicks off this weekend

After trialling its new GT2 racer in the final rounds of the 2023 GT2 European Series last summer, Maserati has confirmed three cars will enter the 2024 campaign’s curtain-raiser this weekend at Paul Ricard. And yes, it is literally just called ‘the GT2’: clearly Maser couldn't settle on an actual name.

It’s based on the MC20 (obviously), so the mid-positioned twin-turbo ‘Nettuno’ V6 is still nestled around an all-carbon fibre tub and is still expected to produce around 621bhp. Oh, and it retains the head and taillights. But the similarities pretty much end there.

The chiselled new body kit comes with a selection of fins and vents, with the most prominent being the central roof scoop and rear wheel arch ducts.

They then channel air towards that preposterous rear wing to (presumably) send the GT2 into orbit. The 18in alloys have been wrapped with a set of Pirelli racing rubber, though, so if you do land on the Moon you should still have some grip.

Giovanni Sgro, the head of Maserati’s racing division, said: “Seeing three cars starting out in a GT championship is like a homecoming. This series is ideal for us and our car; it fulfils Maserati's goal of taking to the track exceptional products, with the capability to transform themselves into perfect racing creations. We can’t wait to see the GT2 in its rightful place, in action in the race”.