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Formula Palmer Audi is set for its
most exciting season yet, as the 2008 calendar reveals a host of high-profile
races in the UK and Europe.
Entering its 11th year,
the 2008 FPA season has been condensed into 8 rounds, including support races
for prestigious events such as the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, DTM and the
World Touring Car Championship. The series will also visit two current
Formula One circuits - Silverstone and Magny-Cours in France.
An extremely competitive line-up is expected for FPA in 2008, featuring many
young talents, and Series Director Jonathan Palmer
is looking forward to next year: “2007
proved to be one of the most hotly-contested seasons in Formula Palmer
Audi’s history, and in 2008 I expect our driver line-up to be of an
even higher calibre,” he said.
Among the drivers to have already
committed to Formula Palmer Audi next season are Jolyon Palmer and Alex
Brundle, who raced in FPA for the first time in 2007. Both sons
of ex-Formula One drivers are keen to make an impression on the series in
their second championship year, and Brundle is feeling particularly
confident: “I think next year will
be very competitive in Formula Palmer Audi, especially the drivers that raced
in the championship this year,” he said. “It will be tough to win because of the
strong field, but I feel that I’ve got the measure of most of the
drivers. Last year was a steep learning curve for me as it was my first
season in FPA, but now I feel much more settled in the car and my confidence
has grown. It’s a great calendar next year - I’m looking forward
to the season!”
2008 also sees the return of Jack Clarke, who finished fourth in the
2007 FPA Championship standings. Emma
Selway is hoping to grace the grid as well, and is currently being
mentored for the new season by Lewis Hamilton’s father, Anthony. “I took part in the FPA Shootout this year,
and the competition was tough,” said Emma. “However, in my first full season in 2008 I
want to finish in the top ten at least, hopefully with a couple of race
wins. I’ve been very impressed with the handling of the FPA cars so
far, especially in wet weather.”
Once again, the series will culminate
in the FPA Autumn Trophy and Shootout, and the winner of the FPA Shootout
will receive a wildcard entry for the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award. Next
year’s contenders will be hoping to emulate the success of Stefan
Wilson, who this year became the first FPA driver to scoop the award after
finishing second in the championship.
Jonathan Palmer
adds: “Our focus on encouraging
young drivers to compete in the category has never been stronger. The series
provides a unique level playing field for young drivers to demonstrate their
talent. There’s no cheaper or fairer route for a driver to prove their
worth than Formula Palmer Audi.”
Formula Palmer
Audi 2008 Calendar
12/13 April Donington (GP)
3/4 May Brands Hatch
(GP)
31 May/1 June Magny-Cours*
28/29 June Oulton Park
26/27 July Brands Hatch (GP)
16/17 August Snetterton
30/31 August Brands Hatch (Indy)
13 September Silverstone (GP)
*provisional
Formula
Palmer Audi has proved itself over the last ten years to be the most
cost-effective route to top-level motorsport. The 2008 season will feature 20
races at seven great circuits all for a cost of just £59,950 plus VAT. For
more information and to arrange a test drive, contact Chris Dredge on +44 (0)
1234 332439
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