Abarth Introduces Trofeo GB Series

Fiat’s in-house tuner Abarth recently introduced its Trofeo 500 race series in the UK at the Silverstone race circuit, with comedian Patrick Kielty and supermodel Jodie Kidd among the guests that attended the event. The test drivers managed to give out quite a show, despite the changeable weather.

Ivan Gibson, head of Abarth UK, and race driver Adam Jones, who won the UK round of the European Trofeo at Brands Hatch, Kent, this year, formally launched the program to a large gathering of team owners, dealers, drivers and sponsors, who came to see and test the first six Assetto Corse cars delivered to the UK.

Weighing only 970 kg, the Assetto Corse Trofeo 500 race cars have been fitted with an 1,368 cc 16-valve turbocharged engine, which outputs 190 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, a more than reasonable performance for the track. Furthermore, the car also features an aerodynamic bodykit and 17-inch sport wheels to improve handling and stability.

“This was a fantastic way to launch an exciting new race series in the UK,” said Ivan Gibson. “The event was well supported by interested drivers and teams, and I am sure we will have a full starting grid of talented entries when Trofeo GB takes to the track in earnest next season.”

The Abarth 500 Assetto Corse one-make series race cars had a successful 2009 season in Europe, which gives the company high hopes that it will have the same performances during the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB series, scheduled to be held at some of the best-known circuits in Britain next year.

However, a full race calendar featuring Trofeo Abarth 500 GB will be announced soon.