Abarth commits to UK series in 2011

Abarth is presenting its sporting activities for the 2011 season at the Autosport International Racing Car Show in Birmingham this week (13-16 January). The coming season will be marked by the continued involvement of the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse in the Abarth 500 GB Trophy.

This championship, starring the 190 bhp Abarth 500 Assetto Corse, is in its second year and will take place over six events, one of which is abroad − the Belgian circuit of Spa-Francorchamps − which also counts towards the Abarth 500 European Trophy.

The formula for the UK Trophy includes two races at each event. Abarth is pleased to announce that the championship is set to start at Oulton Park (23 and 25 April), moving on to the new Snetterton 300 Circuit (25-26 June), Brands Hatch GP (22-24 July), Spa (7 August), Brands Hatch Indy (3-5 September) and finishing at Donington on 29 October.

The promotion of the Abarth 500 GB Trophy will again be managed by Paolo Callea.

The Abarth 500 European Trophy is also continuing this year, featuring six events held at Valencia, Misano, Hockenheim, Mugello, Monza and Spa-Francorchamps, the latter also counting towards the GB Trophy – a great opportunity for British drivers, who have a chance to grab the limelight in an international series.

The 190 bhp Abarth 500 Assetto Corse is assembled in the Abarth racing department. It is equipped with a sturdy roll cage, an anatomic racing driver's seat, and a six-point safety harness, along with all the other equipment demanded by the regulations. In terms of mechanical features, the chassis has a specific set-up with racing springs and adjustable shock absorbers, teamed with 17” alloy wheels, an exhaust suited for racing, and oversized, more powerful brakes.

These are all components which make the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse a racing car capable of providing the utmost satisfaction for both expert and novice drivers.

Abarth activities outside the UK concentrate on the championships reserved for the Abarth 500 and Formula Abarth, an experience-building single-seater car powered by a 1400 cc turbocharged Abarth engine which was extremely successful during its first season, in 2010, tempting young foreign drivers to the Italian Championship.

This year, the Formula Abarth Championships and the Abarth 500 Trophies will be organised in Italy and across Europe, with the same calendar for both series.