Formula Palmer Audi

Infobox motorsport championship

pixels = 199
caption = FPA logo
category = Single Seater
country/region = United Kingdom
inaugural = 1998
folded =
drivers = 22 (2007)
teams = 1 [Although each individual driver has their own personal sponsors on their car, all the cars are maintained, ran and tested by Palmer Sport.]
constructors = 1
engines = 1
champion driver = flagicon|UK Jason Moore
champion team =
manufacturer =
website = [http://www.formula-palmer-audi.com/index.aspx Formula-Palmer-Audi.com]

Formula Palmer Audi, commonly known as Palmer Audi or FPA, is a form of open wheel racing founded in 1998 by former Formula One driver, Jonathan Palmer. The series is most famous for producing former opel-wheel driver Justin Wilson. It cost 54,000$ for a full season.

Introduction

The cars are powered by a 1.8 litre, 4 cylinder, 300bhp turbo charged Audi engine, capable of over 150mph. The cars also feature a turbo boost button, which temporarily gives the car a 60bhp increase. The body is made of Aluminium honeycomb monocoque, the basic structure of which complies with the current FIA Formula 3 safety regulations. The car was manufactured by, and based on an original design by Van Diemen International.

The series was originally set up as a cost-effective rival to Formula 3 in the UK. After a brief foray into Europe, FPA evolved into a series predominantly for gentleman drivers looking to combine business with pleasure. However, having produced nominees for the prestigious McLaren Autosport Young Driver Award in 2004, 2005 and 2006, FPA is gradually re-emerging as a viable option for young aspiring drivers on the path to Formula One.

FPA still maintains itself as a cost-effective form of open wheel racing, with the 2007 season costing driver £55,000 plus VAT [ [http://www.formula-palmer-audi.com/brochure-package.aspx 2007 FPA brochure and pricing.] ] , whereas similar series such as Formula Renault or Formula BMW require estimated budgets two to three times higher in order to race with a front-running team.

The FPA Race Weekend

FPA race weekends normally take place over two days, but may be spread over three if the series is supporting an international event such as A1GP, DTM or the World Touring Car Championship. After free practice, drivers take part in two 20-minute qualifying sessions, for which they have an unlimited number of laps at their disposal. The first qualifying session sets the grid for Race 1, while the second sets the grid for Race 2.

Races are 35 miles in length, with a time limit of 30 minutes. In the event of three races being held over a weekend, each driver's fastest lap from Race 2 counts at their qualifying time for Race 3.

Points are awarded to the first 19 finishers of each race in the following order:

Notable Formula Palmer Audi records

The following records apply only to Championship races, and not the Autumn Trophy.

* Most wins - Jon Barnes (nine)
* Most wins in a season - Jon Barnes (nine)
* Most consecutive wins - Jon Barnes (seven, 2006)
* Most pole positions in a season - Jonathan Kennard (10, 2004)
* Most points scored in a season - Jon Barnes (326, 2006)
* Most consecutive pole positions - Jonathan Kennard (six, 2004)

References

ee also

* 2006 Formula Palmer Audi season
* 2007 Formula Palmer Audi season

External links

* [http://www.formula-palmer-audi.com/ Official site]
* [http://vincepettit.co.uk/wp-gallery2.php?g2_itemId=65 Photos from the Snetterton Autumn Trophy 2006 Weekend (Vince Pettit Photography)]