Sportscar tifosi everywhere were disappointed by the news that the Maserati MC12 has been banned from this year's FIA GT Championship by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. Apparently, the low volume, mid-engined, carbon-chassied, aerodynamically optimised, V12 powered supercar does not fit within the spirit of the production-based regulations.

Fortunately, Maserati still seems intent on racing it at some stage. We would love to see some Gruppo Ferrari Maserati representation in the World Sportscar Championship and at Le Mans, especially if it was re-badged as a Ferrari. Maybe such a prospect could tempt Le Mans winner Team Goh to swap over from Audi. However, this is clearly unthinkable for a car which is pure Maserati.

Meanwhile, the car appeared at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it was driven by Maserati CEO Martin Leach and test driver Andrea Bertolini. This Speed Event may hold the key to the future and we believe the MC12 could be eligible for British sprint and hillclimb events, for example it might be eligible for Class 6B at Curborough - click here for more details. If not, then enjoy these pics, they may be all you see of the tipo this year.