The 2012 Abarth Trophies rally and track calendar

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The promotional championships will be vied for in rallies and track races in 2012.

With regard to the rallies, the Trofeo Abarth 500 will take on an international flavour also in the upcoming season with a seven-race calendar that will be contended in Italy, France, Switzerland and Belgium: 1000 Miglia Rally (Italy, 19-21 April), Tour de Corse (France, 11-13 May), du Chablais (Switzerland, 8-10 June), Ypres (Belgium, 22-24 June), San Martino di Castrozza (Italy, 14-15 September), Sanremo (Italy, 12-13 October) and du Valais (Switzerland, 25-27 October).

Three championships on the track will be organised: the Europe Abarth Trophy, the Italy Abarth Trophy and the novelty of this year, the Abarth Trophy Benelux - each with six races slated. In detail, the Europe Abarth Trophy calendar includes Dijon (France, 6 May), Mugello (Italy, 10 June), A1 Ring (Austria, 5 August), Imola (Italy, 2 September), Spa (Belgium, 16 September) and Monza (Italy, 21 October).

The Italy Abarth Trophy also has six appointments on its calendar, some of which concurrent with those of the continental championship: Varano (20 May), Mugello (10 June), Franciacorta (24 June), A1 Ring (in Austria, 5 August), Imola (2 September) and Monza (21 October).

Lastly, the new Benelux Abarth Trophy has set the following race schedule: Dijon (France, 6 May), Zandvoort (Netherlands, 3 June), Spa (Belgium, 8 July), Colmar-Berg (France, 22 July), Spa (Belgium, 16 September) and Zolder (Belgium, 7 October).

Abarth 500 Selenia track trophies for the 2010 season

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The 2010 race season calendar is packed for the Abarth, with three one-make circuit championships scheduled. A British trophy will now be added to the well-established Abarth 500 Selenia Europe Trophy andAbarth 500 Selenia Italia Trophy. All three targeting two of the Abarth philosophy’s fundamental concepts: affordability and fun.

This year’s hottest trophy news is the possibility of having two drivers in one vehicle, one in Race1 and the other in Race2. This definitely helps younger drivers and assists enormously in keeping costs down.

The Abarth 500 Selenia Europe Trophy takes pride of place, with drivers able to try their hand at the most prestigious circuits in this international context. There are five dates, each comprising two races. It will begin on 30 May, at the German circuit of Hockenheim.

The rest of the calendar continues with dates at Imola (also valid for the Italian trophy), Salzburg and Brands Hatch (also valid for the British trophy).

The 2010 edition ends on 24 October at Monza, with the participation of vehicles from both the Italian and British races, for a closing event that promises plenty of thrills.

Each date includes: a session of free trials, two 20-minute qualifiers and two races of 25 minutes plus one lap.

Registration costs for the Abarth 500 Selenia Europe Trophy are 7,500 euros and that covers all races, apparel, Abarth hospitality at racetracks (including catering), as well as shared paddock setup with the other teams. For drivers registered in both the Italian and English trophies there is a discounted fee of 6,500 euros. It is also possible to sign up for individual competitions.

There are tempting prize pools for the competitions and for the final trophy, whose winner will be awarded a road version of the Abarth 500.

The seven appointments scheduled for the UK kick-off on 4 April, at Oulton Park.

The Abarth 500 Selenia Italia Trophy includes six events of two races each, beginning at Misano on 25 April. The races are part of CSAI events and accompany the Formula ACI/CSAI-Abarth and Formula 3 competitions.

The programme for each event is identical to that of the European trophy. The registration fees have been lowered to 9,000 euros compared to last year’s 11,000, and there are special rates for drivers aged under 25, as part of a policy to allow younger drivers to be in the spotlight at reduced expense.

The outright winner of the competition will be awarded a road version of the Abarth 500, while the top-ranking Under-18 will be offered the use of a Formula ACI/CSAI-Abarth for the following season. It is actually possible to race in the competition from 15 years of age for drivers who have taken a course at the CSAI Federal School to obtain a national C licence.

Race classes are: absolute, Under 25, Under 18 and the new Gentleman class for drivers aged over 40.

The Abarth 500 Assetto Corse cars, all fitted out and prepared directly by the Abarth Officine (Workshops), are then delivered to the “Abarth Racing” tuners who take care of racetrack maintenance and support. For sports car customers the brand has created an Italian tuner network – called “Abarth Racing” – that is the privileged gateway to Abarth races.

The exclusive “Abarth Racing” network is highly specialised and currently includes six companies famous for their many years of experience in the car engine and race world: Uboldi Corse with Autoalberta by Uboldi Corse (Lomazzo, Como); Carrozzeria Campana (Modena); Forza Service (Turin); Romeo Ferraris (Opera, Milan); Trico Motor Sport (Alessandria); Zatti Sport (Parma).

Calendar of Abarth 500 Selenia Europe Trophy Events

30 May Hockenheim

04 July Imola

25 July Salzburg

05 September Brands Hatch

24 October Monza

Calendar of Abarth 500 Selenia Italian Trophy Events

25 April Misano

6 June Magione

04 July Imola

29 August Varano

10 October Mugello

24 October Monza

Calendar of Abarth 500 Selenia British Trophy Events

4 April Oulton Park

18 April Silverstone

23 May Oulton Park

27 June Snetterton

25 July Silverstone

5 September Brands Hatch

24 October Monza

Abarth 500 for rallies launched in Sanremo

Abarth introduced its latest racing gem at the 51^st Sanremo Rally. The new Abarth 500 R3T will lend its name to a promotional rally trophy in 2010, due to join the two track events (European and Italian) planned for the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse.

For Abarth, this marks a return to promotional trophy events, a niche it has made its own for more than thirty years. Since 1977, to be precise, when the first ever Autobianchi A112 Abarth Championship was held, followed by trophies for the Fiat Uno, Uno Turbo, Cinquecento, Seicento, Punto Kit and Super 1600, Stilo, Panda Kit.

The Abarth 500 rally version will be type approved for Group R3T, the category for turbocharged cars up to 1600 cm³ in capacity. This class will be the future of the specialism because it represents a good compromise between car cost and performance. Ideal for private drivers and young people who want to show their worth in a true racing car, capable of outstanding performance by any standard.

The Abarth 500 power unit is 1368 cm³ with a Garret GT 1446 fixed geometry turbocharger capable of delivering a power of 180 hp (132 kw) at 5500 rpm.

The gearbox is sequential, front meshing with 6 speeds and includes a multiplate self-locking differential, twin plate clutch and special half-axles.

Great care has been taken to ensure the suspension can be adjusted to obtain a ride suited to each driver's individual driving style. The racing shock-absorbers are adjustable, with coaxial spring and wheel to alter the ground clearance plus special shims to adjust the caster and camber angles.

The 7” x 17” OZ asphalt rims are designed for 19/62-17 tyres.

The Brembo brakes are all disc, ventilated at the front with 4 callipers, solid disc at the rear with brake distributor and governor. The handbrake is hydraulic.

The Abarth 500 is equipped with a special welded roll-bar integral with the body, the required safety devices and FIA type-approved seats with 6 seat belt anchorage points.

The weight is the lowest set by the regulations for this category: 1080 kg unladen.

Great care has also been taken over the details, beginning with a livery that is most decidedly in keeping with tradition, complemented by a lovingly crafted interior and instruments.

The Abarth promotional trophy regulation and timetable will be circulated in the coming weeks.

The Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari”

The Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari” makes its world debut at Frankfurt. This new performance version of the Abarth 500 confirms the link between Abarth and Ferrari based on shared values that include a passion for performance, a racing soul, attention to detail and Italian style.
Abarth and Ferrari are two great names that have contributed, with conviction and dedication, to the legend of Italian racing that is known around the world. The legendary men behind both marques followed very similar careers: first drivers, then tuners and finally heads of companies that command genuine respect in the world of motor racing. These extraordinary men were associated in the past: in 1953, for example, a unique Ferrari-Abarth was born, the Ferrari 166/250 MM Abarth. The car raced in various international trophies including the legendary Mille Miglia. The tie between the two companies has been reinforced above all by the exhaust systems designed by Abarth specifically for the cars built at Maranello: numerous exhaust systems have been made for various Ferrari models, some of which have won World Championship titles.
The two brands have recently renewed their collaboration. The first result of this was the supply of a limited and numbered series of Abarth 500’s to Ferrari’s European dealers in recent months for use as “courtesy cars”.
Now, attention turns to the new Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari”, an exclusive vehicle that not only enables Abarth to extend its range by entering into the luxury sports car market, but also offers Ferrari customers a small but exciting small car for all their mobility needs, including practical urban mobility.
The new Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari” is distinguished by a number of stylistic changes, but more importantly by substantial modifications developed by Abarth and Ferrari engineers. The engine, for a start, is a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v, tuned to develop over 180 HP. This is combined with an MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) electromechanical gearbox with race-inspired paddle gearshift that makes full use of the engine’s performance by reducing gearshift times.
To improve acceleration, the car is fitted with performance tyres on 17’’ alloy wheels featuring a design inspired by Ferrari wheels. The suspension and braking systems have also been strengthened to cope with the extra power: 284 mm multi-section discs with fixed four-piston calipers, both by Brembo, and special shock absorbers let you enjoy performance in total safety.
And of course there is a “Record Monza” variable back-pressure “dual mode” exhaust, designed to improve engine performance and deliver an inspiring sound over 3,000 rpm.
On the outside, the car is finished in Scuderia Red, with carbon fibre door mirrors and with details like the wheels and rear air intakes in Racing Grey. This new Abarth is equipped with Xenon headlights with dipped and main beam functions for improved light emission and excellent efficiency under all weather conditions. Made by Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting, these elements deliver three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen lamp headlights.
The interiors are also personalised and demonstrate the attention to detail and the sporting style that are common to both brands. “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” seats are fitted and finished in black leather with a shell and seat base in carbon fibre. These seats offer a perfect blend of racing characteristics – light weight (10 kg less than the standard seat) and the ability hold the body steady against lateral and longitudinal forces, thanks to body support elements filled with crush-resistant foam – with the ergonomics and comfort of road seats.
The black leather steering wheel is characterised by red leather inserts and a tricolour hub on which the MTA gearshift paddles are mounted, while the instrument panel is specially made by Jaeger, and inspired by typical Ferrari instrumentation. Attention to detail has gone into the floor too: the foot wells are covered entirely in non-slip aluminium and the racing pedals are personalised with the Scorpion logo. The interior is embellished with other details too, like special kick plates and a plate bearing the vehicle series number.

Abarth 500 Selenia – European Trophy

Emanuele Moncini, from Brescia, won both the two races of the third round of the Abarth 500 Selenia–European Trophy on the Portuguese circuit of Oporto. The Italian driver won Race1 ahead of Portuguese Pedro Marreiros and Race2 ahead of Jorge Rodrigues, another national of Portugal. Thanks to his third place in Race1 and to his seventh place in Race2, Italiano Manuel Villa remains in command in the Abarth 500 Selenia-European Trophy standings with a 33 points lead over Frenchman Benoît Perret.

The street circuit of Oporto proved very spectacular for the high flyer Abarth 500 Assetto Corse.

In the first race, Moncini has built his victory right since the start, overtaking brilliantly the pole-setter, Portuguese Patrick Cunha. Moncini then kept a commanding lead over his rivals, a lead he gradually increased up to five seconds. Hot on his heels, a group of pursuers immediately formed. Patrick Cunha and Pedro Marreiros fought a fiercely contested battle for second place, threatened by Manuel Villa towards the end of the race. In the fifth lap, Cunha was overtaken by Marreiros and Villa, before he was forced into retirement. The last laps were marked by the fruitless attempt from Villa to overtake Marreiros.

In Race2, Moncini made again a good start from the second row of the grid to jump in the lead immediately, with Rodrigues second and Marreiros third, those two fighting together ahead of their fellow countryman Leite.
Meanwhile, further back down the field, Patrick Cunha and Manuel Martins were fighting for fifth position, giving rise to the most action-packed duel in this second race. In lap seven, Martins managed to overtake his opponent. His satisfaction was short-lived as he braked too late for a corner in the very last lap, dropping his position.

Also to be pointed out is the steady and valuable learning curve of Simone and Erika Monforte, the very young brothers from Pordenone. Thanks to a string of good placings, Simone is lying fourth in the standings of the Abarth 500 Selenia–European Trophy, of which the next round is scheduled on 18 and 19 July at the English circuit of Brands Hatch.

Race1 classification: 1. Emanuele Moncini (I), 10 laps in 24min33.906s; 2. Pedro Marreiros (P), + 3.356s; 3. Manuel Villa (I), + 5.767s; 4. Joao Ramos (P), +12.472s; 5. Jorge Rodrigues (P), + 19.615s; 6. Manuel Martins (P), + 34.255s; 7. Simone Monforte (I), + 1min05.502s; 8. Erika Monforte (I), + 1min41.312s.
Fastest lap by Jorge Rodrigues in 2min25.790s - average speed 117.78 kph.

Race 2 classification: 1. Emanuele Moncini (I), 10 laps in 24min31.180s; 2. Jorge Rodrigues (P), + 4.232s; 3. Pedro Marreiros (P), + 5.987s; 4. Pedro Leite (P), + 25.574s; 5. Patrick Cunha (P), + 41.452s; 6. Manuel Martins (P), + 1min01.125s; 7. Manuel Villa (I), 2min29.604s; 8. Benoît Perret (F), + 2 laps.
Fastest lap by Emanuele Moncini in 2min26.017s - average speed 117.60 kph.

Abarth 500 Selenia - European Trophy provisional standings: 1. Manuel Villa (I), 85 points; 2. Benoît Perret (F), 52; 3. Jorge Rodrigues (P), 51; 4. Simone Monforte (I), 44; 5. Lucas Guerrero (E) and Emanuele Moncini (I), 43; 7. Peter Fulin (CZ), 38; 8. Enrico Fulgenzi (I), 37; 9. Pedro Marreiros (P), 34; 10. Michael Vorba (CZ), 30.

Abarth 500 Trophy: Tavano and Baldan win at Magione

Salvatore Tavano and Nicola Baldan have scored one victory each in the two races held on the circuit of Magione, in the Italian region of Umbria, where the fourth round of the Abarth 500 Trophy was taking place. Baldan achieved the highest points score by finishing second in race one, while Tavano finished third in race two, on the heels of Denis Babuin.

Tavano still leads the championship with five wins to his credit in eight races, while his closest rival, Baldan, has recorded two victories. In the Under-23 category, Campani won race one to keep leading the standings of the Trophy, ahead of Tobias Tauber.

In race one, Tavano made a good start from pole position, moving towards the inside of the track to maintain first position into the first corner, ahead of Baldan. Further back the field, Parretta was trying to overtake Iorio and Campani but he slid wide in the second turn, losing ten positions or so. While Tavano and Baldan made it to outdistance Iorio, Campani and Babuin were fighting for fourth position. Their duel ended in favour of Campani, who finished first in the Under-23 category. Parretta climbed up to seventh. Baldan set the fastest lap time which earned him to start race two from pole position.

Baldan made the most of it and took the lead in race two, followed by Tavano, while Parretta successfully attacked Iorio and started a duel with Babuin. The two collided in the "S" corner before turn three and provoked chaos in the group of pursuers. The most unlucky were Iorio and Campani who were both forced into retirement. In the 12th lap, Tavano slowed down and Babuin took advantage of that to snatch the second spot.

The next round of the Abarth 500 Trophy will take place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September at Mugello. Meanwhile, there will be five rounds of the Abarth 500 European Trophy, the first of them being held on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June at Brno in the Czech Republic.

Classification of race 1: 1. Salvatore Tavano, 20 laps in 27min57.702s (average speed: 107.59 kph); 2. Nicola Baldan +0.768s; 3. Francesco Iorio +10.916s; 4. Alex Campani +18.429s; 5. Denis Babuin +19.028s; 6. Franco Cimarelli +22.514s; 7. Michele Parretta +24.209s; 8. Enrico Fulgenzi +36.052s; 9. Manuel Lasagni +36.456s; 10. Gabriele Larini +39.593s; 11. Giovanni Mancini +43.333s; 12. Andrea Carboni +1min07.004s; 13. Paolo Scudieri +1min08.154s; 14. Giuseppe Casillo +1min27.186s; 15. Simone Monforte + 1 lap; 16. Giovanni Ciraso + 1 lap; 17. Tobias Tauber + 4 laps; 18. Andrea Rizzoli + 5 laps.

Fastest lap: Baldan, 1min23.146s (average speed: 108.546 kph).

Classification of race 2: 1. Nicola Baldan 20 laps in 28min08.938s (average speed: 106.87 kph); 2. Denis Babuin + 2.282s; 3. Salvatore Tavano +9.303s; 4. Michele Parretta + 9.674s; 5. Manuel Lasagni + 15.960s; 6. Franco Cimarelli +24.823s; 7. Enrico Fulgenzi +33.775s; 8. Tobias Tauber + 34.892s: 9. Gabriele Larini +35.350s; 10. Alessandro Frigerio + 36.080s; 11. Andrea Carboni + 37.408s; 12. Giovanni Mancini + 38.589s; 13. Patrick Gobbo + 44.848s; 14. Andrea Maneo + 45.471s; 15. Giovanni Ciraso + 57.966s; 16. Paolo Scudieri +59.389s; 17. Giuseppe Casillo +1min08.115s; 18. Andrea Rizzoli + 1 lap.

Fastest lap: Tavano, 1min23.411s (average speed: 108.202 kph).

Abarth 500 Trophy provisional standings: 1. Salvatore Tavano 157 points; 2. Nicola Baldan 134; 3. Manuel Villa 79; 4. Denis Babuin 69; 5. Andrea Rizzoli 68; 6. Raffaele Giammaria 56; 7. Francesco Iorio 54; 8. Alex Campani 42.

Under-23 category: 1. Alex Campani 137 points; 2. Tobias Tauber 121; 3. Simone Monforte 106; 4. Gabriele Larini 88; 5. Enrico Fulgenzi 78; 6. Patrich Gobbo 62.

Abarth 500 European Trophy: Spaniard Lucas Guerrero makes it twice at Valencia

After yesterday's victory, Spanish driver Lucas Guerrero won again in the second race of the Abarth 500 European Trophy, which took place today on the circuit of Valencia in Spain. On his home track, Guerrero won ahead of his fellow countryman Noel Jamal and very young Italian Simone Monforte who just turned 16.

This double success earns Guerrero a commanding lead in the Abarth 500 European Trophy standings with a solid advantage over pursuers Jamal, Campani, Villa and Perret.

The fight for victory was dashed after the first two laps as Italian Alex Campani did not make the most of the pole position he owed to his fastest lap time in yesterday's race. Spain's Noel Jamal took advantage of the situation to engage a fierce battle for first place with Guerrero. After having overtaken his rival, Guerrero gradually extended his lead thanks to a neat and proficient drive in his Abarth 500 Assetto Corse.

Further down the field, Simone Monforte - who started from the 10th spot of the grid - began an outstanding rise, overtaking fellow countryman Manuel Villa and Frenchman Benoît Perret. In the last lap, the young driver made it to reach the podium to the detriment of Portuguese Jorge Rodrigues, crowning his superb rise by gaining third position. Italian Erika Monforte and Spain's Maria de Villota were unlucky as they were both forced into retirement in the second and ninth lap respectively.

Race classification: 1. Lucas Guerrero (E), 11 laps in 21min34.486s; 2. Noel Jamal (E) +6.118s ; 3. Simone Monforte (I) +15.442s ; 4.Benoît Perret (F) +20.839s ; 5. Javier Macias (E) +42.550s ; 6. Manuel Villa (I) +1min06.084s; 7. Alex Campani (I) +1min13.728s; 8. Daniele Vernuccio (I) +1min24.137s.

Fastest lap: Lucas Guerrero, 1min56.161s

Provisional Abarth 500 European Trophy standings: 1. Lucas Guerrero (E), 43 points; 2. Noel Jamal (E), 28; 3 Alex Campani (I), 27; 4. Manuel Villa (I) and Benoît Perret (F), 26; 6. Bernardo Arnaut (P), 18; 7. Simone Monforte (I), 16.