05.03.2004 THE EUROPEAN ALFA CHALLENGE FOR ALFA 147 GTA CUP RACERS WILL SUPPORT THE ETCC AT SIX ROUNDS THIS YEAR

A significant change in this year's Touring Car Championship will be the European Alfa Challenge, a European event that will see the participation of the Alfa 147 GTA Cup with, at the wheel, drivers from eight different countries, Italy, Spain, Finland, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland and Ireland.

The championship will be run over six events, all part of the European Touring Car calendar. The first race is scheduled for Monza (March 28), then Valencia (Spain, April 18), Magny-Cours (France, May 2), Hockenheim (Germany, May 16), Spa (Belgium, July 31) and Imola (September 5).

The European Alfa Challenge is a preparatory championship for drivers who are aiming to become professionals in the future. So this is why Europe's most important circuits, not only for the European Touring Car Championship but also for Formula 1 racing, have been chosen for this event.

In the European Alfa Challenge, participating Alfa Romeo sports customers will be able to count on money prizes for every race, while at the end of the season overall challenge standings will be established for the Under 25, Twin-class (pairs of drivers), Team, Rookies (beginners) and Ladies categories.