6 April 2010 | Thames’ driver Cassey Watson helped make history at Oulton Park over the bank holiday Easter weekend, when she took part in the first ever Abarth 500 race series in Great Britain. 

The highly anticipated series, which also listed the British Formula 3 and the British GT on the same billboard, saw 18-year-old Watson qualify 10^th of the grid (5^th row) on Saturday (3 April) in a time of 201.403.  Leading the pack was former Clio Cup champion Ben Winrow, who notched up a best time of 156.394.   

Despite Watson’s limited testing in the Abarth, she was quick to demonstrate her driver-talent early on in the first race (round 1) after managing to claw back six places to take up forth position during the third lap.  However, she eventually finished eighth, with clear signs that both driver and car have more to give, which bodes well for the season. 

“When you look at the drivers who have registered for the GB series, it’s clear to see just how competitive this series will be,” explained Watson. 

“Overall, I thought there were a lot of positives to take from Saturday’s race, particularly as it’s only the fourth time I have been out in the car, and the first real opportunity I have been able to drive in dry conditions. 

“I’m pleased that I managed to record a best time of 200.320, which is over a second faster than my best qualifying lap time.  But I know that I have more to give and, with a bit more testing and tweaking to the car, I feel that there’s good scope to make up the additional couple of seconds over the course of the next race meetings at both Silverstone (17/18 April) and Cadwell Park (22/23 May) to place me in sight of the leading pack,” added Watson. 

On Monday, tyre problems caused by the hard chicanes at Oulton Park forced Watson to finish in 10^th place – despite holding onto sixth place for some of the race after qualifying 8^th on the grid. 

Advent Motorsport driver Gareth Howell won both inaugural rounds of the Zing Trofeo Abarth 500 GB to currently top the driver championship. 

For more press information on Thames Abarth, or to arrange an interview with Cassey Watson, please contact Andrew Fitzsimons on 07967 373039, or email news-pressdirect@virgin.net.  Alternatively, please go to: www.thamesfiat.co.uk.

About Trofeo Abarth 500 GB:

The Zing Trofeo Abarth 500 GB, in association with Abarth UK, represents a new high profile sponsored race series that will commence at Oulton Park, Cheshire, on 3-5 April 2010.  Building on the success of its namesake Italian and European series, the GB competition brings together a plethora of driver-talent from across the British Isles.  The GB series has been developed by the competitors for the competitors; by the sponsors for the sponsors, and by the fans for the fans.  All Abarth Asetto Corse cars are built in Turin, Italy, and are checked to the highest standards.  They are also subject to a shakedown and test at the Fiat Group proving ground in Balocco.  For more information on Abarth, contact Thames Motor Group at www.fiat.co.uk/500abarth.  

About Thames:

Thames Abarth is the motorsport tuning division of Thames Fiat – part of Thames Motor Group – first establish in 1986.   The flagship dealership is situated on the Bath Road, Slough, supported by further branches in Croydon and Tunbridge Wells.  The Thames brand has been synonymous with thought-leadership and innovation for many years, and remains a key driving force across the six unitary authorities of Berkshire – priding itself on its customer service and incentives alike.  In 2009, Thames Fiat scooped the accolade for having sold the most Fiat cars out of 180 registered dealerships. 

Next Race

17/18 April | Silverstone (Grand Prix circuit)