In the newest installment of the Speed Demons and Dream Teams, we’re taking a detailed look at Maserati MSG Racing.
Photo Credit: Maserati MSG Racing
With Season 9 heralding a new generation vehicle that represents peak performance for electric vehicles, Maserati MSG Racing is determined to succeed and bolster their record with wins for this iconic marque at motor racing’s highest level after nearly sixty years away from such competitions. The team is currently standing in the 6th place in the Constructor’s Championship with 3 podiums and a win in Round 11.
Maserati MSG Racing, formerly known as Venturi Racing, have been on the motorsport scene for eight seasons. But in April 2022, the team announced a new title and powertrain partnership with Maserati to take part in FIA Formula E World Championship’s Season 9. This marks an exciting time for the iconic luxury automotive brand, who hasn’t competed in the single-seater category since Formula 1 in 1957. Under its new name and ownership group led by Principal Owner Scott Swid and Vice-Chairman José M Aznar Botella, MSG Racing has set up its headquarters in Monaco to compete using powertrains designed and developed by Stellantis.
The Legacy Continues
The rich heritage of this successful team is expected to continue into its newest chapter, especially now that they are joined by one of Italy’s most renowned automotive brands: Maserati. Both have come together to combine bold innovation with immense history, creating an unstoppable force on circuit as they strive for success against their rivals in what could be motorsports’ most competitive arena yet. With everything set firmly for takeoff and unlimited potential ahead –the future belonging only to those willing to take it– the Maserati MSG Racing team will not hesitate as they begin electrifying this journey ever forward into the realm unexplored territory!
The team has proven to be a formidable force in the series since 2014, when it became one of the first teams to join as Venturi. From Seasons 1-8, Venturi scored podiums in 20 percent of all races, which is an impressive feat for any team. This ultimately yielded their first victory during Season 5 and saw them with constant participation from a handful of Formula E teams throughout the years.
Maserati Hits the Ground Running in Season 9
As we look ahead to 2022/23 when Formula E reaches its third generation of peak electric vehicle performance for racing cars, the Maserati Formula E Team are preparing for yet another challenge and hoping to again display their proficiency on the track. Thanks to their consistent endeavours so far, this season could see a further improvement in results as they continue on their upward trajectory. With two of the most brilliant names within motorsports, Maserati promises great value. Who are these two, you may ask. We got it covered as well.
Maximilian Günther
Maximilian Günther is a 25-year-old German race driver, currently stands in 7th place with Maserati MSG Racing in the ABB FIA Formula E Drivers Championship.
Born in 1997 in Oberstdorf, Germany, Max started his motorsport career at the age of 10 with karting before progressing to open-wheel racing in 2011. Günther competed in the European Formula 3 Championships with Mucke Motorsport before signing with Prema Powerteam and competing at the legendary Macau Grand Prix. In 2018 he made his debut in Formula 2 with BWT Arden, afterwards running as a reserve driver for Dragon racing during Season 5 of Formula E and making his official championship debut a year later with BMW i Andretti Motorsport.
In his inaugural season Guenther drove impressively, achieving two victories at Santiago and Tempelhof respectively and ultimately finishing ninth overall despite being hampered by several non-finishes. His performance led to a second consecutive season with BMW i Andretti Motorsport where he ended up 12th overall after managing one podium finish throughout the course of the season. For 2021/22 Max has signed on for Maserati MSG Racing to make their eagerly anticipated return to the Formula E series. With an experienced competitor behind them, it’s expected that this combination could prove fruitful – further unlocking Guenther’s potential on track in order to add more wins and podiums under his belt.
Photo credit: Maserati MSG Racing
Edoardo Mortara
Edoardo Mortara is an acclaimed Formula E driver, earning the nickname ‘Mr. Macau’ due to his 10 victories at the demanding Macau Guia Street Circuit.
The Swiss driver was born in 1987 and began his career began with Formula Renault in 2006 followed by the Formula Three Euroseries where he was crowned champion and won the prestigious Macau Gran Prix twice. He continued onto the German DTM Championship until his 2017 debut in Formula E with Venturi. His strongest season yet came during 2020/21 when he finished second overall, narrowly beaten to the championship title due to just seven points.
This season, Mortara joins Maserati MSG Racing as they return to top tier motorsports after decades of absence and will be partnered with Lucas di Grassi as they look take compete for the title this time around. With prior experience under his belt and four race wins last season, Edoardo Mortara is primed to succeed again this upcoming year as he strives for championship glory.
Photo credit: Maserati MSG Racing
Team Principal James Rossiter
James Rossiter is a very familiar name to motorsport fans and industry professionals alike. The 39-year-old from Oxford, England has achieved much success as both a world-class racing driver and a highly regarded management specialist within the professional motorsport community. Beginning his racing career at the young age of eighteen, James went on to compete at championship level for eighteen years in various categories, including Formula 1 and Formula E. During this time, he gained invaluable experience which placed him in perfect stead to extend his career opportunities beyond the cockpit when retiring as an active driver in 2022.
In October of last year, he confidently took up his new role as Team Principal for Maserati MSG Racing: leaving no question in anyone’s mind that with such an impressive history on both sides of the steering wheel, James’ expertise would add great value to the team. He brings with him first-hand insight into what motivates drivers and pushes teams forward: an understanding that will be instrumental in pushing Maserati MSG Racing closer to their goals.
Despite having a car that can challenge the front-runners, Maserati’s performance this year definitely needs improvement. We’re curious to know what you think – what’s your opinion on the drivers? And if you’re a fan – what are your favorite fun facts about them? We’re looking forward to reading the comments. For now – enjoy the race, wherever you are ✨
