The 2010 race season calendar is packed for the Abarth, with three one-make circuit championships scheduled. A British trophy will now be added to the well-established Abarth 500 Selenia Europe Trophy and Abarth 500 Selenia Italia Trophy. All three targeting two of the Abarth philosophy’s fundamental concepts: affordability and fun.

This year’s hottest trophy news is the possibility of having two drivers in one vehicle, one in Race1 and the other in Race2. This definitely helps younger drivers and assists enormously in keeping costs down.

The Abarth 500 Selenia Europe Trophy takes pride of place, with drivers able to try their hand at the most prestigious circuits in this international context. There are five dates, each comprising two races. It will begin on 30 May, at the German circuit of Hockenheim.

The rest of the calendar continues with dates at Imola (also valid for the Italian trophy), Salzburg and Brands Hatch (also valid for the British trophy).

The 2010 edition ends on 24 October at Monza, with the participation of vehicles from both the Italian and British races, for a closing event that promises plenty of thrills.

Each date includes: a session of free trials, two 20-minute qualifiers and two races of 25 minutes plus one lap.

Registration costs for the Abarth 500 Selenia Europe Trophy are 7,500 euros and that covers all races, apparel, Abarth hospitality at racetracks (including catering), as well as shared paddock set-up with the other teams. For drivers registered in both the Italian and English trophies there is a discounted fee of 6,500 euros. It is also possible to sign up for individual competitions.

There are tempting prize pools for the competitions and for the final trophy, whose winner will be awarded a road version of the Abarth 500.

The seven appointments scheduled for the UK kick-off on 3 April, at Oulton Park.

The Abarth 500 Selenia Italia Trophy includes six events of two races each, beginning at Misano on 25 April. The races are part of CSAI events and accompany the Formula ACI/CSAI-Abarth and Formula 3 competitions.

The programme for each event is identical to that of the European trophy. The registration fees have been lowered to 9,000 euros compared to last year’s 11,000, and there are special rates for drivers aged under 25, as part of a policy to allow younger drivers to be in the spotlight at reduced expense.

The outright winner of the competition will be awarded a road version of the Abarth 500, while the top-ranking Under-18 will be offered the use of a Formula ACI/CSAI-Abarth for the following season. It is actually possible to race in the competition from 15 years of age for drivers who have taken a course at the CSAI Federal School to obtain a national C licence.

Race classes are: absolute, Under 25, Under 18 and the new Gentleman class for drivers aged over 40.

The Abarth 500 Assetto Corse cars, all fitted out and prepared directly by the Abarth Officine (Workshops), are then delivered to the “Abarth Racing” tuners who take care of racetrack maintenance and support. For sports car customers the brand has created an Italian tuner network – called “Abarth Racing” – that is the privileged gateway to Abarth races.

The exclusive “Abarth Racing” network is highly specialised and currently includes six companies famous for their many years of experience in the car engine and race world: Uboldi Corse with Autoalberta by Uboldi Corse (Lomazzo, Como); Carrozzeria Campana (Modena); Forza Service (Turin); Romeo Ferraris (Opera, Milan); Trico Motor Sport (Alessandria); Zatti Sport (Parma).

Calendar of Abarth 500 Selenia Europe Trophy Events

30 May Hockenheim
04 July Imola
25 July Salzburg
05 September Brands Hatch
24 October Monza

Calendar of Abarth 500 Selenia Italian Trophy Events

25 April Misano
6 June Magione
04 July Imola
29 August Varano
10 October Mugello
24 October Monza

Calendar of Abarth 500 Selenia British Trophy Events

3/5 April Oulton Park
17/18 April Silverstone
22/23 May Oulton Park
26/27 June Snetterton
24/25 July Silverstone
4/5 September Brands Hatch
23/24 October Monza