The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB race series was officially launched last week at Silverstone, with selected guests, drivers and race teams invited to inspect, admire and test the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse race cars, while learning more about the proposed 2010 series.  Among the guests were comedian Patrick Kielty and supermodel Jodie Kidd.

Since the Trofeo Abarth 500 Europe came to Brands Hatch earlier this year, the rumoured British version of the series has been the talk of the paddock.  Following feedback from drivers, teams and sponsors, the series is now in its final stages of preparation.  It launches with the stated aim of creating a package of racing that benefits all stakeholders – from competitors and sponsors, to owners and fans.

The series is expected to support key race weekends throughout the season, including the FIA World Touring Car Championship, the British Touring Car Championship and the British Superbike Championship. 

While the race calendar itself is still being finalised, it is expected the series will compete at Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Silverstone, Snetterton, Oulton Park and – in a link-up with the European trophy - Spa-Francochamps.

The Abarth dealer network has been encouraged to support the series, and so far four dealers – Platts (Stoke on Trent), Thames (Slough), S. G. Petch (York) and Lipscomb (Aylesford) – have confirmed their involvement, with more due to come on stream shortly.

Two race teams have so far committed to the series: Coastal Racing, with Carl Bradley as team manager and driver, will run a multi-car team in 2010 where they will be looking to build upon their success in the Mini Challenge and Clio Cup.  Meanwhile Rees Sport, run by former BTCC, Tuscan and MGF driver Matt Kelly, will capitalise on their experience gained in the Porsche Carrera Cup by entering their own Abarth 500 Assetto Corse next year.

The series features identical Abarth 500 Assetto Corse race cars, based on the road-going Abarth 500.  Powered by the same 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, but with extensive internal modifications and a larger Garrett turbocharger, the race cars develop 190 bhp at 6,500 rpm.  With a reinforced roll cage welded to the bodyshell, as well as further modifications to the chassis and brakes, the Assetto Corse cars are built in Turin before being shipped to the UK in batches of four.  The first batch has already been delivered to their owners, following shakedown tests at Fiat Group’s proving ground at Balocco.

The inaugural race is expected to take place in March/April 2010, and Abarthisti will be following the series throughout the year.

More information about the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB can be found on the official website: www.trofeoabarth500gb.com.

Looking forward to it, hope they rlease the dates soon.... need to plan my holiday to Italy 

Ignore this post, I didn't read the other thread.

When I told my 10 year old that Jodie Kidd was going to be there, his comment was:

Dad, can you get a photo of you with her so I can see how much taller than you she is