Formula Aci Csai Abarth Model on Display at Geneva

This year’s Geneva Auto Show will give visitors an opportunity to take a look at the two pillars of the Abarth business model: roadgoing cars and the world of racing. Aside from the 695 Tributo Ferrari and the 500C esseesse on display at the show, Abarth will also bring the Formula Aci-Csai-Abarth model.

The racer, using a carbon fibre body, an FPT Racing 1.4 Fire Turbo engine developing 180 horsepower based on the engine used in the Abarth 500 Trophy and Sadev transmission with a sequential six-speed gearbox, competed in a championship reserved for this single-seater.

Divided into 7 events consisting of 2 races each on Italy's leading race tracks, more than 40 drivers competed in this championship. For the record, the 2010 victory went to Frenchman Brandon Maisano, 17, member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, Ferrari's breeding ground.

“This Aci Csai and Abarth single seater trainer is destined to hone the skills of talented young drivers until 2014, serving as their career launch pad towards the higher formulas. It is the heir to the Formula Azzurra car that introduced the Csai "Young Drivers Project" in 2005,” a company statement reads.

“In this sector too, Abarth boasts a long tradition, dating back to the 1970s and 1980s, with the Italia and Fiat Abarth formulas that made it possible for drivers of the calibre of Michele Alboreto, Riccardo Patrese and Alessandro Nannini to make their names,” the statement further adds.

autoevolution will be attending the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.