International Formula Master, the newest addition to the FIA World Touring Car Championship package, officially unveiled its Formula S2000 race car at the Autosport International show, held over the weekend at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. The race car got an extremely enthusiastic reception and series founder, N.Technology, was overwhelmed with enquiries from teams and media alike.

At just 550kg, including driver, the S2000’s 2.0-litre, 250bhp engine is going to give aspiring drivers a real thrill. Mark Blundell, who was at the launch, says the series has real potential. “It’s not often you see a new formula that looks like it’s got the legs to last,” said the former F1 driver. “But this car is really stunning and the prices are extremely competitive. This is going to be an exceptionally valuable addition to the motorsport world; it will help us sift out the talent.”

Speaking at the launch in Birmingham last Thursday, the Series Director Mauro Sipsz said he was particularly proud of the work his team had put in. “We’ve become a family and this car is the product,” said the Italian. “To see the response we got here today is very satisfying and validates everyone’s effort.” Italy-based N.Technology has decades of experience in the professional motorsports arena, developing, building and running winning vehicles in the GT, rally and touring car categories. N.Technology’s concept with International Formula Master is to promote a high-profile series, with excellent racing, a large fan base – supported by excellent TV coverage - and a clear pathway to the highest ranks of the motorsport industry. To achieve this, it has worked with prominent partners and created the Formula S2000 – a car that will attract both drivers and fans with its impressive performance.

Despite these advantages, International Formula Master will strive to remain accessible to the widest range of competitors, by introducing innovative measures to keep the price down. The Formula S2000 car will compete within all the 2007 European rounds of the FIA World Touring Car Championship, the third FIA World Championship alongside F1 and WRC.
 

Meanwhile in Birmingham tormer Formula One driver, Giorgio Pantano who drove for Jordan F1 in 2004, was announced as the official International Formula Master development driver. After seeing the Formula S2000 race car, which was unveiled at the Autosport International Show yesterday and will run a 250bhp engine at just 550kg weight including driver, the 27-year-old Italian couldn’t turn the opportunity down. “This car is going to be incredible. With a weight to power ratio like that, it is going to be a real pleasure to drive,” said Pantano. “I have worked on developing cars before but this is the first time that I’ve been involved from the start and am really looking forward to the challenge.”

The Italian racing driver brings a real wealth of experience to the new single-seater series. Having spent his former years in kart racing where he won three junior World Championships and then two European titles, Pantano went on to compete in Formula Palmer Audi Winter Series, Formula 3 and F3000, prior to his Formula One debut. He has spend the last two years in GP2 with team Super Nova and FMS International, winning three races last season. “Obviously with a project like this, it was essential to have a driver on-board who has extensive experience in single-seater racing,” commented Sipsz who was directly involved in Pantano’s appointment and confirmed his appreciation of the Italian’s career achievements. “Not only does Giorgio fit the brief, he also brings tremendous technical knowledge to help us develop the S2000.” Giorgio’s official duties will begin this month when N.Technology, the series founder, will test the car for the first time at Vallelunga race circuit in Italy.

Demand for the International Formula Master Series has increased considerably since the launch of the Formula S2000 race car last Thursday in Birmingham. In the 24 hours following its introduction, the number of cars sold rose from 26 to 36 with enquiries flowing in from teams and drivers alike. “This is great news,” said Sipsz. “It goes without saying that I am extremely pleased with the reception International Formula Master has been given over the last couple of days. Teams love the complete package that has been put together and the significant increase in cars sold validates all the hard work that has gone into launching the car.”

International Formula Master will begin testing in Italy later this month; and the first official race will be held in Valencia, Spain on May 20 as part of the FIA World Touring Car Championship package.