19 April 2010 | Thames’ driver Cassey Watson managed to pull out the stops and drive through the pain barrier to finish a highly creditable 9th at the infamous Silverstone grand prix circuit last weekend in the second round of the Zing Trofeo Abarth 500 GB series.

The highly rated 18-year-old Worcestershire driver, who was suffering from a high fever prior to the race, qualified 13th on the grid, but performed heroics to complete both races in 9th position – let alone fend off other drivers in the chasing pack.

The series, which is fast rivalling other established brand-name competitions such as the ELF Renault Clio Cup, has already attracted a number of former race champions and touring car drivers, with the likes of Ben Winrow (Clio Cup), Stephan Hodgetts and Gareth Howell (British Touring Car Championship, BTCC) having all committed themselves to the Abarth this season.

For the Thames Motor Group driver, who set the second fastest lap during Saturday’s qualifying on cold tyres, before eventually slipping back down the grid due to fatique, was pleased that she was able to finish the session.

“My sponsors pay to see the car on track, and my team work extremely hard to make sure the car is at it’s best, so I personally wanted to do my best for them – both during qualifying and during the races” explained Watson.

“I was really looking forward to racing again at Silverstone, so it’s frustrating that I wasn’t feeling 100 per cent. However, I view the experience in a positive way on the basis that it has given me more track time in the car. What’s more, there’s five weeks ‘til the next race meeting at Cadwell Park (Lincolnshire), so it gives me the chance to learn more about the car between now and then,” she added.

Stefan Hodgetts, driving his first race in the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB, set the fastest lap of 2:10.830 to help top the podium honours for race 3 (Saturday), while Ben Winrow claimed top spot to win race 4 (Sunday).

For more press information on Thames, 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 commenced 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

22/23 May | Cadwell Park