Stephan Hodgetts from Mardi Gras Motorsport takes 2 wins from 2 races at Silverstone.

Silverstone (25rd June, 2010). The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB joined some of the world’s most historic and valuable classic race cars this weekend and showed that the Abarth motorsport tradition is alive and well. The Silverstone Classic provided thousands of race fans with an opportunity to see the Abarth brand in action over three days at the home of the British Grand Prix.

On Friday, Stephan Hodgetts began his successful weekend by qualifying 1.397 seconds quicker than the current Championship leader Ben Winrow and Benny Simonsen returning to the series after an absence of 2 races. Qualifying was followed by a special celebrity race in aid of the Bobby Moore Fund featuring personalities from the stage and screen and the Abarth 500.

In the battle of the rock-stars and television chefs, Rick Parfitt Jnr took the glory, but there was more Abarth action to come.

On Saturday, Stephan Hodgetts led from start to finish taking his Mardi Gras Motorsport car to the top spot of the podium for the 4th time in 2010. Ben Winrow, thinking about the overall championship was content with second place and Charlie Butler-Henderson closed the gap on the front runners and was rewarded with 3rd place.

12 cars lined up on the grid early on Sunday morning in what turned out to be almost an exact repeat of Saturday’s racing. Stephan Hodgetts led from start to finish in a commanding performance that showcased just how the Mardi Gras Motorsport driver has come to grips with this Abarth 500 car. Ben Winrow continued accumulating points with another 2nd and Butler-Henderson improved again to take 3rd.

Hodgetts commented on the weekend:

It’s been a great weekend and I’ve had a lot of fun out there. The cars are fantastic fun to drive – half an hour driving around a beautiful circuit like this looking at the lap boards, pushing myself every lap is great. Everything came together and with the support of BuildBase, Mardi Gras Motorsport were able to give me a great car.

Ben Winrow has his eyes on the overall championship. He said after the race:

Of course the Championship is always in the back of my mind. We did the job that we came here to do this weekend. Two 2nd place finishes and minimal points loss to Stephan and that’s important going away from Silverstone. I think we will be a lot closer at Brands Hatch.

Fans also enjoyed the weekend. One said:

There are some incredible cars here this weekend, some that I have only ever seen in books. The classic is one of my favourite events of the year and to be able to see the new Abarths and some of the historic Abarth cars all in one weekend makes it even better. It looks like the scorpion has indeed returned.

The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB will now take a break until the series joins DTM at Brands Hatch on the 4th-5th of September.

Stephan Hodgetts led from start to finish in the first race of the weekend for the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB at the 2010 Silverstone Classic. Hodgetts started from pole position after qualifying over a second quicker than his nearest rival, Ben Winrow.

After waiting in bright sunshine all day and taking advantage of some unique hospitality including massages from the Ibiza Angels, the drivers had to contend with a light sprinkle of rain several laps into the race. But a few drops of rain were not enough to stop Hodgetts who repeated his victory from April.

Charlie Butler-Henderson continued to add points to his Championship total with a solid 3rd place ahead of Josh Wakefield whose team worked through the night to rebuild his car after an incident in qualifying.

There will be more Trofeo Abarth 500 action tomorrow with race two starting early at 9am.

Race 3 of the 2010 Trofeo Abarth 500 GB was held at Silverstone on Saturday. Ben Winrow started on Pole, but was passed by Stefan Hodgetts who went on to take the win in an action packed race that was interrupted by safety car periods.

Here’s some action from the race, plus podium post-race interviews with Ben and Stefan.

Stefan Hodgetts, driving his first race in the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB has taken his first race win. Stefan also set the fastest lap of 2:10.830, to achieve Pole position for Sunday’s Race.

Race 3 – 17 April, 2010. Silverstone GP Circuit – 5.1410 km

London. (12th Feb, 2010). Following the confirmation last week of the 2010 calendar, the Zing Trofeo Abarth 500 GB is proud to announce that two more teams, Mardi Gras Motorsport and Pulce Racing will join the series in the innaugural year. The Mardi Gras Motorsport Abarth 500 Assetto Corse will be driven by Paul Smith competing against Benny Simonsen who will drive for Pulce Racing.

Championship Organiser Paolo Callea said today:

“I’m happy to be able to announce more teams and more drivers for the championship. We are showing that the package is an attractive one for both drivers and teams and I am confident that in the next couple of weeks we will be able to announce even more entries. “

Mardi Gras Motorsport Team Manager, Paul Hetherington said:

“Mardi Gras Motorsport have a long and successful history in one make championships and we are always excited to get involved in something new. The car looks well engineered and the series is supporting some very exciting meetings. We are really looking forward to this years Trofeo Abarth 500″.

Paul Smith said about competing in the championship:

“From my own perspective I would like to say how excited I am about being part of the Trofeo Abarth 2010 Championship, looking forward to some very close action at some of the best events in 2010, and privileged to be associated with Mardi Gras Motorsport, one of the most successful teams in one make racing.”

Denise Watt MD of Pulce Racing said:

“Pulce Racing are really excited to be on the Trofeo Abarth grid with a driver of the calibre and speed of Benny. ”

Benny Simonsen said:

“I cant wait for that first race to start, and I’m really pleased to have signed with such a professional team as Pulce Racing. I’m sure we’re going to be up the front fighting for the race wins and the Championship.”

The Pulce Racing car will be backed by Abarth dealer Vospers. John Hutchinson – Brand Manager for Abarth Vospers said:

“Vospers are proud to be a part of the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB. Abarth is already very appealing to those who remember the brand’s golden age during the ’50s and ’60s, and the race series will help attract a whole new generation of enthusiasts. Vospers are thrilled to be supported by Abarthisti.co.uk, the UK’s largest online community of owners.”