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.

The series will compete at Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park, Silverstone, Snetterton, Oulton Park and – in a link-up with the European trophy – Monza, Italy.

Comedian Patrick Kielty and supermodel Jodie Kidd attended the launch event

The Abarth dealer network has been encouraged to support the series, and eight dealers – Platts Garages (Stoke on Trent), Thames (Slough), S. G. Petch (York), Lipscomb (Maidstone), Fiat Marylebone (London), Rockingham Cars (Rockingham), Glyn Hopkin (Romford), and Vospers (Plymouth) – have confirmed their involvement for the 2010 series.

Six race teams have so far committed to the series: Advent Motorsport with drivers Vicki Butler-Henderson, Josh Wakefield, and James Blyth; Coastal Racing with drivers Carl Bradley; Rees Sport; Tech 9; Pyro Motorsport. Pulce Racing, backed by the engineering expertise of a Le Mans series race team, will be running the Vospers car, and their Assetto Corse will be sporting the Abarthisti logo.

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 will take place over the weekend of 3/5 April 2010 at Oulton Park, and Abarthisti will be following the series throughout the year.

2010 Trofeo Abarth 500 GB Calendar

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