Abarth’s
forthcoming new UK one-make Trofeo race series was among the
main attractions at a media day held at one of the UK’s
racing circuits. The new series, which starts with its first
rounds over the Easter weekend (3 and 5 April), was part of
a media tie-in with the British Superbikes race programme at
Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire. The Abarth 500 Trofeo cars will
feature alongside the superbikes at circuits later this
season.
Starring
Abarth’s potent new 500 Assetto Corse race cars, the Trofeo
series has proved a remarkable success on the International
race calendar. Dates for the UK version – called Trofeo
Abarth 500 GB – were recently announced and include
rounds at some of Britain’s best-known circuits, beginning
with the Easter races at Oulton Park, Cheshire. The Trofeo
race cars and the British Superbikes return to Cadwell Park
later this year for an event – one of the first of its kind
– featuring two- and four-wheeled racing on the same bill.
“This was
a final chance for the media to see our race cars before the
season gets underway,” says Ivan Gibson, head of Abarth UK.
“It also allowed several drivers and teams to make final
preparations for what I am sure will be an exciting and
entertaining season of racing in these remarkable cars.”
Powered by
a 1368cc 16-valve turbocharged engine, the 970kg Trofeo 500
race cars develop 190bhp at 6500rpm and torque of 300Nm at
3000rpm to achieve dramatic performance on the track. The
new Trofeo Abarth 500 GB series calendar is as follows: 3
April - Oulton Park; 18 April - Silverstone; 23 May -
Cadwell Park; 27 June - Snetterton; 25 July - Silverstone; 5
September - Brands Hatch; and 24 October - Monza.