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IT'S THE SAME RITUAL. FLY TO SPAIN, DIVIDE YOUR DAY BETWEEN ROAD AND TRACK AND TRY TO GET TO KNOW A TRACK FOCUSED CAR THAT PROMISES SO MUCH. ONLY THIS TIME IT FEELS VERY, VERY DIFFERENT.

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The GT3 was predictable. An evolution of a formula that always delivers more than the sum of its parts. Even under threat of new legislation and with the shadow of the RS and S/T looming large, the car was always going to be something special.

The Maserati GT2 Stradale? Similar brief, completely different execution and from the hearts and minds of a company that has the capacity for inspired genius and something close to calamity. It's entirely possible that the GT2 Stradale will make the GT3 feel incredibly sober and puncture its perfection in a fiery, turboboosted frenzy of Italian drama. Then again, it could just be completely underwhelming and a bit, erm, crap.

For me personally, the GT2 Stradale is unbelievably exciting. In fact, it speaks directly to my soul. Not only do I love the slightly misunderstood MC20 on which this car is based, but the blueprint of a stripped out mid-engined supercar from this region of Italy has created some of the greatest cars the world has ever seen and I've ever experienced: Scuderia, Superleggera, SVJ, STO, Speciale... the GT2 Stradale fits into a tradition that represents everything that is holy and good. It should be divine.

The challenges? Well, it's hellishly expensive at £273,510 even before you start to add all the tastiest options. That prices it above the sensational and more powerful McLaren 750S and the dazzling Ferrari 296 GTB, and an eye watering £80,000 more than a Porsche 992 GT3 RS. Ouch. Just 914 GT2 Stradales will be produced. A measure perhaps designed to mitigate the heavy depreciation suffered by the standard car. Although 914 units doesn't sound that limited, does it?