28/05/2009: The Abarth 500 Trophy Europe starts at Valencia

With a wealth of success obtained in Italy, the Abarth 500 European Trophy will mark the internationalisation of the series on the Spanish circuit of Valencia, setting off tomorrow (Friday 29 May) with free practice and qualifying sessions.

Around twenty drivers from five countries will participate in this first round. Drivers come from Italy, France, Portugal, Spain and Greece. For this confrontation between nations, there will be many young drivers, among whom are two female drivers, Italian Erika Monforte and Spaniard Maria de Villota.

Once again, the star of the show will be the ~190bhp Abarth 500 Assetto Corse. The car has brilliantly passed the examination during the first legs of the Abarth 500 Trophy in Italy on demanding tracks such as Monza, Mugello and Imola, putting on a great show and allowing drivers to pit against each other on equal terms.

The Abarth 500 European Trophy consists of six rounds, each one including two races, all held in the environment of the WTCC, the World Touring Car Championship. After Valencia, there will be races at Brno (Czech Republic) on 21 June, Porto (Portugal) on 5 July, Brands Hatch (Great Britain) on 19 July, Oschersleben (Germany) on 6 September and Imola (Italy) on 20 September.

These prestigious circuits play a large part in increasing the attraction of this championship which brings the cars of the Scorpion brand back to the track.

Here's the schedule of this weekend at Valencia:
Friday 29 May: free practice sessions at 9:00am and 11:45am, qualifying at 3:45pm;
Saturday 30 May: Race 1 at 5:30pm;
Sunday 31: Race 2 at 4:05pm.