Formula Palmer Audi Set For Most Exciting 2008 Season
Dec 10, 2007
FPA
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)
