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Due to the
success of the European Alfa 147 Challenge - no less than 36
thoroughbred race converted Alfa 147's, run by sixteen teams
from nine countries, battled for the over the last season -
Alfa Romeo and the Italian motorsport's house N. Technology
recently decided to continue the popular makers-cup
in 2005.
At the same time, an announcement was made that the prize
money will be sharply raised to 180.000 euros.
This will be the
third running of the rapidly-growing series. After
commencing in 2002, with various national championships in
Holland and Italy, the class has evolved into crowded LG
Super Racing Weekends, with TV coverage through Europe on
the Eurosport channel.
The cars that run in Holland, in the Pearle Alfa 147 GTA
Challenge, can be used for the European adventure without
any further technical modification.
In race trim,
the Alfa 147's (with GTA look-alike bodywork) are powered by
a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 220bhp on tap, coupled
to a sequential 6-speed gearbox.
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Portugeese driver Jose Joao Magalhaes, who drives
for the Dutch-based Madeno racing outfit, leads
eventual champion Simone Iacone during the Spa
European Alfa Challenge round |
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Twenty
year old Italian Simone Iacone won the 2004 European
Alfa Challenge after a season long battle with
fellow countryman Maurizio Campani, which was only
decided during the final double header at Imola |
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This year several Dutch team's have already gained
experience in the European championship, which is officially
called the European Alfa Challenge. Madeno Racing
participated deservingly well, along with the
Tempo-Team Racing (drivers, Rory Bertram and Tim Coronel),
as well as Harders Plaza with Robert van den Berg.
Based on all this success and growing potential, the first
extension has been made to allow for the establishment of an
Alfa Team Holland.
Transport costs to and from various circuits, as well as
other expenses, will be centralised, whilst promotion of the
project will be co-ordinated in the Dutch media. If
interest towards forming the collective project, to be named
'Alfa Team Holland' is high enough, then measures will be
undertaken to attract a general Alfa Team Holland Sponsor.
The estimated costs per car for season 2005 will amount to
70.000 euros (excluding damage costs). Technical and
organisational supervision is in the hands of N. Technology.
The provisional calendar for the European Alfa Challenge,
season 2005: 10 April Monza, Italy 2 races; 1 May Magny
Cours, France 2 races; 15 May Donington Park, England 2
races; 29 May Brno, Czech Republic 2 races; 30 May Spa,
Belgium 1 race; 28 August Oschersleben, Germany 2 races
by Paddy
Granger
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