Formula Palmer Audi
Encyclopedia
Formula Palmer Audi, officially abbreviated to FPA, and sometimes informally abbreviated to Palmer Audi, was a one-make
class of open wheel Formula racing
founded in 1998 by former Formula One
driver, Jonathan Palmer
. It was based in the United Kingdom
(UK), and was organised and operated by MotorSport Vision
. It had a high proportion of British drivers and venues, but it also featured international drivers, and races in mainland Europe
.
The series was most famous for producing ex-F1 driver and IndyCar race-winner Justin Wilson, and triple World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx
.
In November 2010, Jonathan Palmer announced the end of the series with the series' chassis being dismantled for use in other areas of the MotorSport Vision
organisation.
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 BRDC Award
for five consecutive years from 2004 to 2008, including 2007 winner Stefan Wilson
, FPA is re-emerging as a viable option for young aspiring drivers on the path to Formula One
. This has been aided by recent scholarship deals that have been announced between FPA and the Stars of Tomorrow karting programme, and between FPA and the FIA Formula Two Championship
, which have established a clear progression path for young drivers into top-level single seaters.
FPA still maintains itself as a cost-effective form of open wheel racing, with the 2009 season
costing driver £55,000 plus VAT
, 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.
FPA race weekend hospitality is provided on a par with FIA Formula Two Championship
, and is able to accommodate 300 guests trackside.
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Although each driver has their own personal sponsors and paint scheme on their car, all FPA cars were developed and tested, and are maintained and operated by Palmer Sport at their workshop at Bedford Autodrome
. And although all cars are prepared for each race weekend in an identical manner, each drivers' car has their own personal mechanic in order to tailor their own personal set-up preferences. The cars operate with an identical weight, with lighter drivers carrying more ballast weight
to counter heavier drivers. The telemetry
for each car is provided by a Stack
data logging system which monitors major parameters of engine operation and G-force
, this data can be overlayed post-test/qualify/race sessions with fastest times to evaluate drivers individual performance.
The FPA race car is a true 'slicks and wings' package. It uses a custom-developed Avon
slick tyre
and 13-inch wheels, with 'wet' Avon race tyres also being available. Aerodynamics are assisted with fully adjustable front and rear wings, along with a stepped floor and rear diffuser.
. The cars are powered by a 300 bhp Audi 1.8 litre, inline-four cylinder 20 valve
double overhead camshaft turbocharged production petrol engine
. Prepared and built by Mountune Racing
, the engine also features a driver operated turbo 'boost' button, which temporarily gives the car a 60 bhp increase. This engine can achieve a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 ) in 2.8 seconds, 0 to 160 km/h (0 to 99.4 ) in 6.2 seconds, and is capable of propelling the cars to over 270 kilometres per hour (168 mph). Further engine detail includes a Pi Research Pectel motorsport electronic engine control unit
and a Garrett
T34 turbocharger
with an intercooler
. Like virtually all 'Formula' cars, the internal combustion engine
is mid-mounted
behind the driver, and is orientated longitudinally
.
The transmission
is a magnesium-cased Hewland
FGC five-speed transaxle
, which includes a limited slip differential
.
honeycomb monocoque
, the basic structure of which complies with the current FIA
Formula Three
safety regulations. The car was manufactured by, and based on an original design by Van Diemen International
.
based on a double wishbone design, with geometry which includes anti-squat and anti-dive pushrod operation. Ohlins
two-way adjustable dampers
, along with adjustable anti-roll bars
complete the suspension
system.
The brake
s feature disc brake
s all round, with four-piston calipers and radially ventilated and floating discs. A cockpit sited driver adjustable brake bias control is also included.
, Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters
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 (56 km) 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:
Drivers must take the chequered flag to score points. Retirees do not score, even if fewer than 19 drivers finish the race.
Another interesting feature is that each driver is supplied with just one set of slick
Avon
tyres to last them for the entire weekend of practice, qualifying and racing. While tyres may be replaced in the event of puncture, extensive damage or safety issues, any 'flat-spotting' of tyres done by a driver is not sufficient for an exchange.
.
The series has raced on many different circuits in the UK and Europe throughout its ten-year history. These include the following:
Brands Hatch
Silverstone
Donington Park
Snetterton
Rockingham
Oulton Park
Castle Combe
Thruxton
Pembrey
Mondello Park
Magny-Cours
Dijon-Prenois
Nürburgring
Spa-Francorchamps
Monza
Mugello
FPA championships are also known for close title battles. In 2004, Jonathan Kennard
beat Rob Jenkinson to the series title by just two points. The following year Joe Tandy
and David Epton finished tied on points, Tandy winning the championship courtesy of having won more races over the course of the season.
The 2009 season consisted of 20 races at seven circuits. The championship winning driver receives a £50,000 scholarship prize intended to help with entry into the next level FIA Formula Two Championship
. Furthermore, the top three championship drivers all receive an official Formula Two test.
The Autumn Trophy often features the Team USA Scholarship, a programme set up by Champ Car
journalist and commentator Jeremy Shaw to allow promising young American drivers the chance to gain experience of European racing. Originally designed to send American drivers to the Formula Ford Festival
, drivers such as Jimmy Vasser
, Phil Giebler, A. J. Allmendinger
and J. R. Hildebrand
have taken part in the Scholarship.
In 2007, a new feature was introduced to the Autumn Trophy - the FPA Shootout. This was a separate competition within the second weekend of the Autumn Trophy at Snetterton where the driver that accumulated the most points from two out of the weekend's three races received automatic nomination for the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award. In 2007, the FPA Shootout winner was Nick Tandy.
, a pan-European subscription satellite station. Highlights and interviews are shown as part of a 30-minute programme. For the Championship, each programme covers one race, while the Autumn Trophy features two races to each programme. Up until the end of the 2006 Championship, the programmes were presented by radio DJ and former Top of the Pops
presenter David Jensen
. For the 2006 Autumn Trophy, the format was changed to a presenter-less magazine-type format, as David's son Viktor Jensen
had stopped racing in FPA. All the races are commentated on by David Addison.
One-design
One-Design is a racing method where all vehicles or boats have identical or very similar designs or models. It is also known as Spec series. It is heavily used in sailboat racing. All competitors in a race are then judged based on a single start time...
class of open wheel Formula racing
Formula racing
Formula racing is a term that refers to various forms of open wheeled single seater motorsport. Its origin lies in the nomenclature that was adopted by the FIA for all of its post-World War II single seater regulations, or formulae. The best known of these formulæ are Formula One, Formula Two, and...
founded in 1998 by former Formula One
Formula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
driver, Jonathan Palmer
Jonathan Palmer
Dr. Jonathan Charles Palmer is an entrepreneur and former racing driver from England. Educated at Brighton College, he won the 1981 British Formula Three Championship and the 1983 European Formula Two Championship. He participated in 87 Formula One Grands Prix, debuting on September 25, 1983...
. It was based in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
(UK), and was organised and operated by MotorSport Vision
MotorSport Vision
MotorSport Vision is one of the world's foremost motorsport organisations, and the leading operator of UK motor racing venues. MSV has a portfolio ranging from major two and four wheel championships to organising the PalmerSport corporate driving event....
. It had a high proportion of British drivers and venues, but it also featured international drivers, and races in mainland Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
.
The series was most famous for producing ex-F1 driver and IndyCar race-winner Justin Wilson, and triple World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx
Andy Priaulx
Andrew Graham Priaulx, MBE is a British racing driver from Guernsey. He is a European Touring Car Championship champion, three times World Touring Car Championship champion and the only FIA Touring Car champion to win an International level championship for four consecutive years...
.
In November 2010, Jonathan Palmer announced the end of the series with the series' chassis being dismantled for use in other areas of the MotorSport Vision
MotorSport Vision
MotorSport Vision is one of the world's foremost motorsport organisations, and the leading operator of UK motor racing venues. MSV has a portfolio ranging from major two and four wheel championships to organising the PalmerSport corporate driving event....
organisation.
Introduction
The series was originally set up as a cost-effective rival to Formula ThreeFormula Three
Formula Three, also called Formula 3 or F3, is a class of open-wheel formula racing. The various championships held in Europe, Australia, South America and Asia form an important step for many prospective Formula One drivers...
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 BRDC Award
McLaren Autosport BRDC Award
The McLaren Autosport BRDC Award is an award set up in 1989 to reward and recognise young racing drivers from the UK. As its names suggest, the award is backed by Formula One team McLaren, motorsport magazine Autosport, and the British Racing Drivers' Club...
for five consecutive years from 2004 to 2008, including 2007 winner Stefan Wilson
Stefan Wilson
Stefan James Wilson is a British racing driver. He is the younger brother of former Formula One and current IndyCar Series driver Justin Wilson...
, FPA is re-emerging as a viable option for young aspiring drivers on the path to Formula One
Formula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
. This has been aided by recent scholarship deals that have been announced between FPA and the Stars of Tomorrow karting programme, and between FPA and the FIA Formula Two Championship
FIA Formula Two Championship
-Chassis:Named after both Jonathan Palmer and Patrick Head, the Williams JPH1 chassis and survival cell is of carbon fibre composite monocoque construction. The car was designed to comply with 2005 FIA F1 Safety Regulations. Head protection conforms to the latest 2009 F1 standards...
, which have established a clear progression path for young drivers into top-level single seaters.
FPA still maintains itself as a cost-effective form of open wheel racing, with the 2009 season
2009 Formula Palmer Audi season
The 2009 Formula Palmer Audi season was the twelfth Formula Palmer Audi season. It began on May 2 at Brands Hatch and finished on October 18 at Snetterton. It consisted of twenty rounds all held in England...
costing driver £55,000 plus VAT
Vat
Vat or VAT may refer to:* A type of container such as a barrel, storage tank, or tub, often constructed of welded sheet stainless steel, and used for holding, storing, and processing liquids such as milk, wine, and beer...
, whereas similar series such as Formula Renault
Formula Renault
Formula Renault is a class of formula racing founded in 1971. It is popular in Europe and other countries. Regarded as an entry-level series to motor racing, it is a respected series where drivers can learn advanced racecraft before moving on to Formula Three, World Series by Renault, GP2 or...
or Formula BMW
Formula BMW
Formula BMW is a junior racing formula for single seater cars. It is positioned at the bottom of the motorsport career ladder alongside the longer established Formula Ford category...
require estimated budgets two to three times higher in order to race with a front-running team.
FPA race weekend hospitality is provided on a par with FIA Formula Two Championship
FIA Formula Two Championship
-Chassis:Named after both Jonathan Palmer and Patrick Head, the Williams JPH1 chassis and survival cell is of carbon fibre composite monocoque construction. The car was designed to comply with 2005 FIA F1 Safety Regulations. Head protection conforms to the latest 2009 F1 standards...
, and is able to accommodate 300 guests trackside.
Race cars
Bedford Autodrome
Bedford Autodrome is based just north of Bedford, England, in the village of Thurleigh. It is owned by former Formula One driver Jonathan Palmer.-The autodrome:...
. And although all cars are prepared for each race weekend in an identical manner, each drivers' car has their own personal mechanic in order to tailor their own personal set-up preferences. The cars operate with an identical weight, with lighter drivers carrying more ballast weight
Ballast weight
Ballast weight is something that is added to a race car to alter its performance.In most racing series, cars have a minimum weight. Often, the actual weight of the car is lower, so ballast is used to bring it up to the minimum. The advantage is that the ballast can be positioned to affect the car's...
to counter heavier drivers. The telemetry
Telemetry
Telemetry is a technology that allows measurements to be made at a distance, usually via radio wave transmission and reception of the information. The word is derived from Greek roots: tele = remote, and metron = measure...
for each car is provided by a Stack
Stack
-Mathematics:* Stack , general category-theoretical concept to formalise "pull-back" operations in geometry and algebra* Algebraic stack, a generalisation of scheme and algebraic space in algebraic geometry; a specific type of the above-Computers:...
data logging system which monitors major parameters of engine operation and G-force
G-force
The g-force associated with an object is its acceleration relative to free-fall. This acceleration experienced by an object is due to the vector sum of non-gravitational forces acting on an object free to move. The accelerations that are not produced by gravity are termed proper accelerations, and...
, this data can be overlayed post-test/qualify/race sessions with fastest times to evaluate drivers individual performance.
The FPA race car is a true 'slicks and wings' package. It uses a custom-developed Avon
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is a United States based company that specializes in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of replacementautomobiles and truck tires, and subsidiaries that specialize in medium truck, motorcycle and racing tires...
slick tyre
Tire
A tire or tyre is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel rim to protect it and enable better vehicle performance by providing a flexible cushion that absorbs shock while keeping the wheel in close contact with the ground...
and 13-inch wheels, with 'wet' Avon race tyres also being available. Aerodynamics are assisted with fully adjustable front and rear wings, along with a stepped floor and rear diffuser.
Powertrain
As indicated by the name of the championship, there is a professional agreement with AUDI AGAudi
Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer, from supermini to crossover SUVs in various body styles and price ranges that are marketed under the Audi brand , positioned as the premium brand within the Volkswagen Group....
. The cars are powered by a 300 bhp Audi 1.8 litre, inline-four cylinder 20 valve
Multi-valve
In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design...
double overhead camshaft turbocharged production petrol engine
Petrol engine
A petrol engine is an internal combustion engine with spark-ignition, designed to run on petrol and similar volatile fuels....
. Prepared and built by Mountune Racing
Mountune Racing
Mountune Racing is a specialist automotive engineering company. It was formed in 1980 by Dave Mountain to provide Mini race engines.In the late 1980s, Mountune started preparing Cosworth YB engines for motorsport, producing numerous championships, and forging a long-term association with Ford...
, the engine also features a driver operated turbo 'boost' button, which temporarily gives the car a 60 bhp increase. This engine can achieve a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 ) in 2.8 seconds, 0 to 160 km/h (0 to 99.4 ) in 6.2 seconds, and is capable of propelling the cars to over 270 kilometres per hour (168 mph). Further engine detail includes a Pi Research Pectel motorsport electronic engine control unit
Engine control unit
An engine control unit is a type of electronic control unit that determines the amount of fuel, ignition timing and other parameters an internal combustion engine needs to keep running...
and a Garrett
Garrett AiResearch
Garrett AiResearch was a manufacturer of turboprop engines and turbochargers, and a pioneer in numerous aerospace technologies. It was previously known as Aircraft Tool and Supply Company, Garrett Supply Company, AiResearch Manufacturing Company, or simply AiResearch...
T34 turbocharger
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
with an intercooler
Intercooler
An intercooler , or charge air cooler, is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric cooling, which removes...
. Like virtually all 'Formula' cars, the internal combustion engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
is mid-mounted
Mid-engine design
A mid-engine layout describes the placement of an automobile engine between the rear and front axles. Another term for this is mid-ship.-Benefits:The mid-engine layout is typically chosen for its relatively favorable weight distribution...
behind the driver, and is orientated longitudinally
Longitudinal engine
In automotive engineering, a longitudinal engine is an internal combustion engine in which the crankshaft is oriented along the long axis of the vehicle, front to back....
.
The transmission
Transmission (mechanics)
A machine consists of a power source and a power transmission system, which provides controlled application of the power. Merriam-Webster defines transmission as: an assembly of parts including the speed-changing gears and the propeller shaft by which the power is transmitted from an engine to a...
is a magnesium-cased Hewland
Hewland
Founded by Mike Hewland in 1957, Hewland is a British engineering company specialising in racing-car gearboxes. Hewland was the first company to manufacture a bespoke racing-car gearbox....
FGC five-speed transaxle
Transaxle
In the automotive field, a transaxle is a major mechanical component that combines the functionality of the transmission, the differential, and associated components of the driven axle into one integrated assembly....
, which includes a limited slip differential
Limited slip differential
A limited slip differential is a type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in angular velocity of the output shafts, but imposes a mechanical bound on the disparity...
.
Chassis
The chassis and body is made of aluminiumAluminium
Aluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
honeycomb monocoque
Monocoque
Monocoque is a construction technique that supports structural load by using an object's external skin, as opposed to using an internal frame or truss that is then covered with a non-load-bearing skin or coachwork...
, the basic structure of which complies with the current FIA
Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile is a non-profit association established as the Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus on 20 June 1904 to represent the interests of motoring organisations and motor car users...
Formula Three
Formula Three
Formula Three, also called Formula 3 or F3, is a class of open-wheel formula racing. The various championships held in Europe, Australia, South America and Asia form an important step for many prospective Formula One drivers...
safety regulations. The car was manufactured by, and based on an original design by Van Diemen International
Van Diemen
Van Diemen International, Ltd. is a British race car manufacturer based in Snetterton, Norfolk, England.The company has a reputation for high-volume production runs of its cars, the most well-known of which is its series of Formula Ford chassis, which have been at the forefront of that class of...
.
Suspension & brakes
The FPA cars feature fully independent suspensionIndependent suspension
Independent suspension is a broad term for any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically independently of each other. This is contrasted with a beam axle, live axle or deDion axle system in which the wheels are linked – movement on one side affects...
based on a double wishbone design, with geometry which includes anti-squat and anti-dive pushrod operation. Ohlins
Öhlins
Öhlins or Öhlins Racing AB, is a manufacturer of high-performance suspension systems for automotive, motorcycle, snowmobile, and ATV use. It is based in Upplands Väsby just north of Stockholm, Sweden...
two-way adjustable dampers
Shock absorber
A shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp shock impulse, and dissipate kinetic energy. It is a type of dashpot.-Nomenclature:...
, along with adjustable anti-roll bars
Sway bar
A sway bar or anti-roll bar or stabilizer bar is a part of an automobile suspension that helps reduce the roll of a vehicle that is induced by cornering or road irregularities. It connects opposite wheels together through short lever arms linked by a torsion spring...
complete the suspension
Suspension (vehicle)
Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. Suspension systems serve a dual purpose — contributing to the car's roadholding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure, and keeping vehicle occupants...
system.
The brake
Brake
A brake is a mechanical device which inhibits motion. Its opposite component is a clutch. The rest of this article is dedicated to various types of vehicular brakes....
s feature disc brake
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
s all round, with four-piston calipers and radially ventilated and floating discs. A cockpit sited driver adjustable brake bias control is also included.
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 A1 Grand PrixA1 Grand Prix
A1 Grand Prix was a 'single make' open-wheel auto racing series. It was unique in its field in that competitors solely represented their nation as opposed to themselves or a team, the usual format in most formula racing series. As such, it was often promoted as the "World Cup of Motorsport"...
, Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters
Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters
The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters is a touring car racing series based in Germany, but also with rounds elsewhere in Europe....
or the World Touring Car Championship
World Touring Car Championship
For the video game, known as World Touring Car Championship in Japan, see TOCA World Touring CarsThe FIA World Touring Car Championship is an international Touring Car championship sanctioned by the FIA.-History:...
. 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 (56 km) 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:
| Position | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th | 13th | 14th | 15th | 16th | 17th | 18th | 19th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 24 | 20 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Drivers must take the chequered flag to score points. Retirees do not score, even if fewer than 19 drivers finish the race.
Another interesting feature is that each driver is supplied with just one set of slick
Slick tire
A slick tyre is a type of tyre that has no tread pattern, used mostly in auto racing. The first production "slick tyre" was developed by a company called M&H Tires in the early 1950s for use in drag racing...
Avon
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is a United States based company that specializes in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of replacementautomobiles and truck tires, and subsidiaries that specialize in medium truck, motorcycle and racing tires...
tyres to last them for the entire weekend of practice, qualifying and racing. While tyres may be replaced in the event of puncture, extensive damage or safety issues, any 'flat-spotting' of tyres done by a driver is not sufficient for an exchange.
Features of Formula Palmer Audi
Formula Palmer Audi has always been run as an 'arrive-and-drive' series, and was one of the first major motor-racing series to do so. In order to keep a level playing field as much as possible, all the cars are run by a specialist team of FPA mechanics, rather than having separate teams. This concept of a large group of deliberately-equalised cars has since been adopted by A1 Grand PrixA1 Grand Prix
A1 Grand Prix was a 'single make' open-wheel auto racing series. It was unique in its field in that competitors solely represented their nation as opposed to themselves or a team, the usual format in most formula racing series. As such, it was often promoted as the "World Cup of Motorsport"...
.
The series has raced on many different circuits in the UK and Europe throughout its ten-year history. These include the following:
Brands Hatch
Brands Hatch
Brands Hatch is a motor racing circuit near West Kingsdown in Kent, England. First used as a dirt track motorcycle circuit on farmland, it hosted 12 runnings of the British Grand Prix between 1964 and 1986 and currently holds many British and international racing events...
Silverstone
Silverstone Circuit
Silverstone Circuit is an English motor racing circuit next to the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury. The circuit straddles the Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire border, with the current main circuit entry on the Buckinghamshire side...
Donington Park
Donington Park
Donington Park is a motorsport circuit near Castle Donington in Leicestershire, England.Originally part of the Donington Hall estate, it was created as a racing circuit during the pre-war period when the German Silver Arrows were battling for the European Championship...
Snetterton
Snetterton Motor Racing Circuit
Snetterton Motor Racing Circuit is a motor racing circuit in Norfolk, England. Owned by MotorSport Vision, it is situated on the A11 road some 20 km north-east of the town of Thetford and 30 km south-west of the city of Norwich...
Rockingham
Rockingham Motor Speedway
Rockingham is the UK's most modern motorsport venue and Europe's fastest racing circuit, hosting corporate driving days, driver training, conferencing & exhibitions, vehicle manufacturing events, track days, testing, driving experiences and motorsport...
Oulton Park
Oulton Park
Oulton Park Circuit is a motor racing track in the small village of Little Budworth, Cheshire, England. It is about from Winsford, from Chester city centre, from Northwich and from Warrington with a nearby rail connection along the Mid-Cheshire Line. It occupies much of the area which was...
Castle Combe
Castle Combe Circuit
Castle Combe Circuit is a motor racing circuit in Wiltshire, England, approximately from Bristol. The circuit used to be the perimeter track of a World War II airfield, and opened to racing in 1950.- History :...
Thruxton
Thruxton Circuit
Thruxton Circuit is a motor racing circuit located near the village of Thruxton in Hampshire, England which is used to host a number of motorsport events including British Touring Cars and Formula 3 racing....
Pembrey
Pembrey Circuit
Pembrey Circuit is a racing circuit outside Pembrey village, south Wales. It is deemed to be the home of Welsh motorsport, providing racing for cars, motorcycles, karts and trucks...
Mondello Park
Mondello Park
Mondello Park is Ireland's only international motorsport venue located in Caragh, County Kildare off the R409 regional road. It is owned by Martin Birrane, and in the past hosted the Irish round of the British Superbike Championship, Pickup Truck Racing and international GT and rallycross events...
Magny-Cours
Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours is a motor racing circuit located in central France, near the towns of Magny-Cours and Nevers, some 250 km from Paris...
Dijon-Prenois
Dijon-Prenois
Dijon-Prenois is a motor racing circuit located in Prenois, near Dijon, France. The undulating track is noted for its fast, sweeping bends....
Nürburgring
Nürburgring
The Nürburgring is a motorsport complex around the village of Nürburg, Germany. It features a modern Grand Prix race track built in 1984, and a much longer old North loop track which was built in the 1920s around the village and medieval castle of Nürburg in the Eifel mountains. It is located about...
Spa-Francorchamps
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the venue of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix and the Spa 24 Hours endurance race. It is also home to the all Volkswagen club event, 25 Hours of Spa, run by the Uniroyal Fun Cup. It is one of the most challenging race tracks in the world, mainly due to its...
Monza
Autodromo Nazionale Monza
The Autodromo Nazionale Monza is a race track located near the town of Monza, north of Milan, in Italy. The circuit's biggest event is the Formula One Italian Grand Prix, which has been hosted there since the sport's inception....
Mugello
Mugello Circuit
Mugello Circuit is a race track in the Mugello region of Italy near Florence. Its length is . It has 15 turns and a long straight.Grand Prix motorcycle racing host an annual event here . Also, the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters hold an annual event. The track is property of Scuderia Ferrari which...
FPA championships are also known for close title battles. In 2004, Jonathan Kennard
Jonathan Kennard
Jonathan Kennard is an English racing driver. He has won 2 series titles, Formula Palmer Audi in 2004 and the FPA Winter Trophy the previous year in 2003. He has also completed several tests for the WilliamsF1 team.He is race winner in both the National class and Championship class of British...
beat Rob Jenkinson to the series title by just two points. The following year Joe Tandy
Joe Tandy
Joseph Tandy was a British racing driver and team owner.-Ministox:Tandy started his racing career unusually in short oval Ministox machinery in 1994. However by the end of 1998, Tandy had won 45 races, with 60 other podium placings as he became both British and World Ministox champion, as well as...
and David Epton finished tied on points, Tandy winning the championship courtesy of having won more races over the course of the season.
The 2009 season consisted of 20 races at seven circuits. The championship winning driver receives a £50,000 scholarship prize intended to help with entry into the next level FIA Formula Two Championship
FIA Formula Two Championship
-Chassis:Named after both Jonathan Palmer and Patrick Head, the Williams JPH1 chassis and survival cell is of carbon fibre composite monocoque construction. The car was designed to comply with 2005 FIA F1 Safety Regulations. Head protection conforms to the latest 2009 F1 standards...
. Furthermore, the top three championship drivers all receive an official Formula Two test.
Autumn Trophy
After each FPA season, a mini-series known as the Autumn Trophy is held in early November. Originally called the Winter Series, it involved two meetings of three races each, held at different UK circuits on consecutive weekends - often Brands Hatch and Snetterton.The Autumn Trophy often features the Team USA Scholarship, a programme set up by Champ Car
Champ Car
Champ Car was the name for a class and specification of open wheel cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades, primarily for use in the Indianapolis 500 auto race...
journalist and commentator Jeremy Shaw to allow promising young American drivers the chance to gain experience of European racing. Originally designed to send American drivers to the Formula Ford Festival
Formula Ford Festival
The Formula Ford Festival is an annual meeting of Ford powered single seat racing cars which is held at the end of the British racing season, at the Brands Hatch motor racing circuit in the county of Kent, in Southern England...
, drivers such as Jimmy Vasser
Jimmy Vasser
Jimmy Vasser is a retired American racing driver and current co-owner of KV Racing Technology. Vasser won the 1996 IndyCar season championship with Chip Ganassi Racing, and scored ten victories in the series...
, Phil Giebler, A. J. Allmendinger
A. J. Allmendinger
Allmendinger again failed to qualify for the 2008 Daytona 500. After three failures to qualify in 2 attempts , he was replaced by veteran driver Mike Skinner on a temporary basis. Allmendinger returned to the Cup series at Talladega...
and J. R. Hildebrand
J. R. Hildebrand
John R. Hildebrand Jr. is an American race car driver. He currently competes in the IZOD IndyCar Series; driving the #4 National Guard car for Panther Racing. Hildebrand's nickname is Captain America...
have taken part in the Scholarship.
In 2007, a new feature was introduced to the Autumn Trophy - the FPA Shootout. This was a separate competition within the second weekend of the Autumn Trophy at Snetterton where the driver that accumulated the most points from two out of the weekend's three races received automatic nomination for the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award. In 2007, the FPA Shootout winner was Nick Tandy.
FPA on TV
At present, Formula Palmer Audi is broadcast on Motors TVMotors TV
Motors TV is a television channel dedicated to news, documentaries and coverage of motorsport and automobiles, and to a lesser extent motorbikes, boats, aircraft and models. It is available in many countries via satellite and cable, with audio in English, French, German and Serbian...
, a pan-European subscription satellite station. Highlights and interviews are shown as part of a 30-minute programme. For the Championship, each programme covers one race, while the Autumn Trophy features two races to each programme. Up until the end of the 2006 Championship, the programmes were presented by radio DJ and former Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops, also known as TOTP, is a British music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly from 1 January 1964 to 30 July 2006. After 25 December 2006 it became a radio program, now hosted by Tony Blackburn...
presenter David Jensen
David Jensen
David "Kid" Jensen , is a Danish Canadian-born, British radio DJ.-Early career:Born in a Danish family residing Victoria, British Columbia, Jensen began his career in his home country at the age of sixteen playing jazz and classical music. He then joined Radio Luxembourg at the age of eighteen in...
. For the 2006 Autumn Trophy, the format was changed to a presenter-less magazine-type format, as David's son Viktor Jensen
Viktor Jensen
Viktor Þór William Jensen is an Icelandic racing driver, with dual nationality. His father is Canadian-born British radio DJ David Jensen....
had stopped racing in FPA. All the races are commentated on by David Addison.
Champions
| Season | Champion | Runner-Up | Third | Autumn Trophy/Winter Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 |  Justin Wilson |
Darren Turner Darren Turner Darren Turner is an English racing driver. He was McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year in 1996. He is a former test driver for the McLaren Formula One team, but has raced primarily in touring cars and sportscars since 2000. He spent 2 years in the DTM for Keke Rosberg's... |
Richard Tarling |
Derek Hayes |
| 1999 | Richard Tarling |
Richard Lyons Richard Lyons (auto racer) Richard Lyons is a Northern Irish motor racing driver.-Junior Formula:He started in Formula Ford in Britain winning the Winter Series in 1996, before moving to Formula Vauxhall Junior finishing the championship sixth in 1997 and second in 1998. he then moved to Formula Palmer Audi, finishing... |
Damien Faulkner Damien Faulkner Damien Faulkner is an Irish race car driver from County Donegal. Beginning his professional career in Formula Vauxhall Junior in 1995, he competed in the Formula Ford Festival in 1996 and finished 11th... |
 Paul Edwards |
| 2000 | Damien Faulkner Damien Faulkner Damien Faulkner is an Irish race car driver from County Donegal. Beginning his professional career in Formula Vauxhall Junior in 1995, he competed in the Formula Ford Festival in 1996 and finished 11th... |
Justin Keen Justin Keen Justin Keen is a British auto racing driver.-Career:Keen first started racing in 1992 with Formula Vauxhall for the Jim Russell racing school. He won the Championship against James Thompson and Jan Magnussen before moving on to the British Formula Ford Championship in 1993... |
Robbie Kerr Robbie Kerr Robert "Robbie" Kerr is a British race car driver from England.-Early career:In 2002 he became the British Formula Three Champion for Alan Docking Racing with 306 points ahead of Australian racing driver James Courtney.Following an abortive attempt at International Formula 3000 in 2003, Kerr did... |
Philip Giebler Philip Giebler Philip Giebler is an American race car driver.Giebler was considered a top American prospect with an opportunity to race in Formula One early in his career. Following years in various Formula Three ranks, Giebler ran in Formula 3000 in 2003 half the season putting up a number of good results... |
| 2001 | Steve Warburton |
Stephen Young |
Gideon Cresswell |
|
| 2002 | Adrian Willmott |
Joel Nelson |
 Roman RusinovRoman Rusinov Roman Aleksandrovich Rusinov is a Russian auto racing driver.Rusinov was the first Russian driver to win an international race in Europe, in 2000 he won the International Renault Finals in French Formula Renault. In 2002 he led the Formula Palmer Audi championship till the last event, but collided... |
Ben Lewis |
| 2003 | Ryan Lewis |
Adam Smith |
Ryan Hooker |
Jonathan Kennard Jonathan Kennard Jonathan Kennard is an English racing driver. He has won 2 series titles, Formula Palmer Audi in 2004 and the FPA Winter Trophy the previous year in 2003. He has also completed several tests for the WilliamsF1 team.He is race winner in both the National class and Championship class of British... |
| 2004 | Jonathan Kennard Jonathan Kennard Jonathan Kennard is an English racing driver. He has won 2 series titles, Formula Palmer Audi in 2004 and the FPA Winter Trophy the previous year in 2003. He has also completed several tests for the WilliamsF1 team.He is race winner in both the National class and Championship class of British... |
Rob Jenkinson |
 Karim OjjehKarim Ojjeh Karim Ojjeh is a Saudi Arabian businessman and racing driver. He is the younger brother of Mansour Ojjeh and son of Akram Ojjeh. He is a director of TAG Finance S.A.. In his spare time he races in the Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.-Racing career:Between 1991 and 1994, Ojjeh attended... |
Stephen Young |
| 2005 | Joe Tandy Joe Tandy Joseph Tandy was a British racing driver and team owner.-Ministox:Tandy started his racing career unusually in short oval Ministox machinery in 1994. However by the end of 1998, Tandy had won 45 races, with 60 other podium placings as he became both British and World Ministox champion, as well as... |
David Epton |
Stuart Prior |
Josh Weber |
| 2006 2006 Formula Palmer Audi season 2006 was the ninth year of the Formula Palmer Audi open-wheel racing series. Englishman Jon Barnes won the Championship, while American Dane Cameron took the Autumn Trophy-2006 Championship:The 2006 FPA Championship took in 15 rounds at six meetings... |
Jon Barnes Jon Barnes Jon Barnes is a British racing driver.- Early career :Barnes started racing in karting, where he finished in the top ten in both the Junior and Senior TKM Super One British Kart Racing Championships.- Car racing career :In 2002, Barnes moved into car racing... |
 Viktor JensenViktor Jensen Viktor Þór William Jensen is an Icelandic racing driver, with dual nationality. His father is Canadian-born British radio DJ David Jensen.... |
 Chris Hyman |
Dane Cameron Dane Cameron Dane Cameron is an American racing driver from Newport Beach, California.After karting, Cameron began his auto racing career in 2005 in the Jim Russell Racing School and Formula Russell where he won the championship. In 2006 he competed in the U.S. F2000 National Championship and finished... |
| 2007 2007 Formula Palmer Audi season 2007 saw the 10th season of the Formula Palmer Audi open wheel racing series, contested over 20 races between 7 April and 23 September. The championship was won by Tim Bridgman in his first Palmer Audi season.-Championship:... |
Tim Bridgman Tim Bridgman Timothy James Bridgman is a British race car driver from England.Bridgman was born in Harlow and educated at Felsted School. He raced for Jensen Motorsport in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship in 2006, finishing the season ranked 16th overall. He was the 2004 Formula BMW UK champion, and... |
Stefan Wilson Stefan Wilson Stefan James Wilson is a British racing driver. He is the younger brother of former Formula One and current IndyCar Series driver Justin Wilson... |
Luciano Bacheta Luciano Bacheta Akshay Luciano Bacheta is a professional British racecar driver.Bacheta started karting at the age of fourteen in 2004 and stepped up to cars in 2005, racing in the Junior Ginetta series, recording six wins and the most fastest laps and pole positions... |
Richard Keen |
| 2008 2008 Formula Palmer Audi season -Championship:The 2008 Henderson Formula Palmer Audi Championship was incredibly competitive, with seven winners through the season and a three-way championship battle going into the final round.... |
Jason Moore Jason Moore (racing driver) -Karting:Moore began his karting career in 2000 aged 11, with a campaign in the Super 1 National Cadet Championship. Moore finished 24th in the championship, with a best finish of 10th coming at Rowrah.... |
Tom Bradshaw |
Jolyon Palmer Jolyon Palmer Jolyon Carlyle Palmer is a British professional racing driver.-T Cars:Having spent 2004 racing in MiniMax karts, Palmer moved up to cars in 2005 and specifically the T Cars championship's Autumn Trophy – a racing series for drivers between the ages of fourteen and seventeen years old... |
Niall Quinn Niall Quinn (racing driver) Niall Quinn is an Irish motor racing driver, currently living in County Meath, Ireland.- Early career :1999- 3rd place in Irish Karting Championship in Cadet2000- 1st place in Irish Karting Championship in Cadet... |
| 2009 2009 Formula Palmer Audi season The 2009 Formula Palmer Audi season was the twelfth Formula Palmer Audi season. It began on May 2 at Brands Hatch and finished on October 18 at Snetterton. It consisted of twenty rounds all held in England... |
Richard Plant Richard Plant (racing driver) Richard Plant is a British racing driver. Plant was Formula Palmer Audi champion in 2009. After taking a sabbatical from racing in 2010 due to an illness in his family, he returned to the track in 2011 to compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain.-Complete Formula Palmer Audi results:... |
 Kazim Vasiliauskas |
Adam Foster |
|
| 2010 2010 Formula Palmer Audi season The 2010 Formula Palmer Audi season was the thirteenth and final Formula Palmer Audi season. It began at Brands Hatch on May 8 and finished at Silverstone Circuit on October 17. It consisted of twenty rounds, all held in England. The champion driver received a £100,000 scholarship prize, double... |
Nigel Moore Nigel Moore Nigel Moore is a British racing driver.-Career:Moore began his racing career in karting, in which he competed until 2007, when he began racing in the Ginetta Junior Championship, which he won with eight victories. He graduated to the Ginetta G50 Cup for 2008, which he also won... |
 Maxime JousseMaxime Jousse Maxime Jousse is a French racing driver. He competed in Formula Palmer Audi during 2009, taking a win at the Snetterton Motor Racing Circuit and finishing eighth in the championship overall. He previously competed in part of the 2008 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 season for French team Pole... |
 Ramón PiñeiroRamón Piñeiro Ramón Piñeiro is a Spanish racing driver.-Formula BMW:Piñeiro began his formula racing career in 2008 in Formula BMW Europe with Fortec Motorsport. He finished twentieth in standings, taking five points-scoring positions in sixteen races. For 2009, Piñeiro remained in the series, but switched to... |
Notable FPA drivers
Many famous names in top-level motorsport have taken part in FPA on their way to the top. These include the following:| Driver | Major Achievements |
|---|---|
| Jon Barnes Jon Barnes Jon Barnes is a British racing driver.- Early career :Barnes started racing in karting, where he finished in the top ten in both the Junior and Senior TKM Super One British Kart Racing Championships.- Car racing career :In 2002, Barnes moved into car racing... |
2008 British GT British GT Championship The Avon Tyres British GT Championship is a sports car racing series currently based in the United Kingdom, although they have had select races outside of Britain in the past few years. The series was created by the British Racing Drivers' Club in 1993 and for its first two seasons was called the... Champion, FIA GT3 FIA GT3 European Championship The FIA GT3 European Championship is a sports car racing series organized by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation and regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . It is a championship derived from the international FIA GT1 World Championship, but meant to provide competition for more... driver |
 Jeroen BleekemolenJeroen Bleekemolen Jeroen Bleekemolen is a Dutch racing driver.In a Chrysler Viper GTS-R he drove in the FIA GT Championship, with great success. He competed in the very competitive German Formula 3 Championship and drove a number of times at the Masters of Formula 3 at Circuit Zandvoort, the unofficial F3 World... |
A1 Team The Netherlands A1 Team The Netherlands A1 Team Netherlands is the Dutch team of A1 Grand Prix, an international racing series.- Management :A1 Team Netherlands' owner is former Formula One driver and Le Mans winner Jan Lammers... driver, Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters is a touring car racing series based in Germany, but also with rounds elsewhere in Europe.... driver, Porsche Supercup Porsche Supercup The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is the international motor racing series supporting the FIA Formula One World Championship organized by Porsche AG.... Champion 2008, 2009 |
| Adam Carroll Adam Carroll Adam Carroll is a Northern Irish racing driver. He currently races in the GP2 Series for Super Nova and in Auto GP for Campos Racing, making his debut with pole position at Donington Park... |
GP2 Series GP2 Series The GP2 Series, GP2 for short, is a form of open wheel motor racing introduced in 2005 following the discontinuation of the long-term Formula One feeder series, Formula 3000. The format was conceived by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, while Ecclestone also has the rights to the name GP1... driver, Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters is a touring car racing series based in Germany, but also with rounds elsewhere in Europe.... driver, A1 Team Ireland A1 Team Ireland A1 Team Ireland is the Irish team of A1 Grand Prix, an international racing series. The team were the A1 Grand Prix champions for the fourth season, 2008-09.- The Team :... driver |
| Romain Dumas Romain Dumas Romain Dumas is a French racing driver.Dumas started karting in 1992, in 1996 he competed in the French Formula Renault Championship. In 1998, he joined the French Formula 3 Championship.... |
24 Hours of Le Mans 24 Hours of Le Mans The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have to balance speed against the cars' ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining... driver, ALMS American Le Mans Series The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is a sports car racing series based in the United States and Canada. It consists of a series of endurance and sprint races, and was created in the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Teams compete in one of five classes: LMP1, LMP2 and LMPC... driver |
| Phil Giebler |
A1 Team USA A1 Team USA A1 Team USA is the American team of A1 Grand Prix, an international racing series.- Management :Owner Rick Weidinger became interested in A1 Team USA and the A1 Grand Prix series when national franchises were being bid for the new series. Along with minority partners and friends Rusty Lewis and... driver, Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis 500 The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana... Rookie of the Year |
| Rob Huff Rob Huff Robert "Rob" Peter Huff is a British racing driver. He currently competes in the World Touring Car Championship for the Chevrolet team, driving the Chevrolet Cruze.-Early years:... |
World Touring Car Championship World Touring Car Championship For the video game, known as World Touring Car Championship in Japan, see TOCA World Touring CarsThe FIA World Touring Car Championship is an international Touring Car championship sanctioned by the FIA.-History:... driver, SEAT Cupra Championship SEAT Cupra Championship The SEAT Cupra Championship was a one make series that ran for six years between 2003 and 2008, the last five of which ran as a support package to the British Touring Car Championship. The series will not continue for 2009, due to SEAT UK ending its racing activities... driver |
| James Jakes James Jakes - T-Cars :Jakes started his racing career in 2002 competing in 5 rounds of the T-Car Championship. In 2003 James continued in T-cars, finishing 2nd in the championship.- Formula Renault :... |
F3 Euroseries Formula Three Euroseries The Formula 3 Euro Series is a European-based junior single seater formula for Formula Three chassis that was launched in 2003 as a merger of the French Formula Three Championship and German Formula Three Championship... driver, British F3 British Formula Three Championship The British Formula Three Championship is an international motor racing series that takes place primarily in the United Kingdom with a small number of events in mainland Europe. It is a junior-level feeder formula that uses small single seater Formula Three chassis. Its current official title is... driver |
 Christian JonesChristian Jones Christian Jones is an Australian racing driver; he is the adopted son of 1980 Formula One World Champion Alan Jones. Winning several Karting championships in his early teens, Christian moved to Australian Formula Ford in 1996-1998, with his best season finish of 2nd in 1998... |
A1 Team Australia A1 Team Australia A1 Team Australia is the Australian team of A1 Grand Prix, an international racing series.- Management :The team chairman is former-Formula One world champion Alan Jones, backed by general manager and former NASCAR driver Peter Nolan... and Asian F3 Champion |
| Robbie Kerr Robbie Kerr Robert "Robbie" Kerr is a British race car driver from England.-Early career:In 2002 he became the British Formula Three Champion for Alan Docking Racing with 306 points ahead of Australian racing driver James Courtney.Following an abortive attempt at International Formula 3000 in 2003, Kerr did... |
A1 Team Great Britain A1 Team Great Britain A1 Team Great Britain is the British team of A1 Grand Prix, an international racing series.- Management :A1 Team Great Britain was one of the first six seat holders in the series announced, with chairman John Surtees hosting the event... driver, Formula Renault 3.5 Series driver |
| Richard Lyons Richard Lyons (auto racer) Richard Lyons is a Northern Irish motor racing driver.-Junior Formula:He started in Formula Ford in Britain winning the Winter Series in 1996, before moving to Formula Vauxhall Junior finishing the championship sixth in 1997 and second in 1998. he then moved to Formula Palmer Audi, finishing... |
Formula Nippon Formula Nippon Formula Nippon is a type of formula racing and the top level of single-seater racing in Japan.Formula Nippon evolved from the Japanese Formula 2000 series begun in 1973 by way of the Japanese Formula Two and Japanese Formula 3000 championships... Champion 2004, A1 Team Ireland A1 Team Ireland A1 Team Ireland is the Irish team of A1 Grand Prix, an international racing series. The team were the A1 Grand Prix champions for the fourth season, 2008-09.- The Team :... driver |
| Gary Paffett Gary Paffett Gary Paffett is a British racing driver in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters. He is also a test driver for the McLaren Formula One team. Paffett progressed through the ranks of karting and junior formulae in the United Kingdom, winning the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award in 1999... |
Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters is a touring car racing series based in Germany, but also with rounds elsewhere in Europe.... Champion 2005, McLaren McLaren McLaren Racing Limited, trading as Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, is a British Formula One team based in Woking, Surrey, United Kingdom. McLaren is best known as a Formula One constructor but has also competed and won in the Indianapolis 500 and Canadian-American Challenge Cup... F1 test driver |
 Giorgio PantanoGiorgio Pantano Giorgio Pantano is an Italian racing driver who drove for the Jordan Formula One team for much of the 2004 season before being replaced by Timo Glock... |
Formula One Formula One Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which... driver, GP2 GP2 Series The GP2 Series, GP2 for short, is a form of open wheel motor racing introduced in 2005 following the discontinuation of the long-term Formula One feeder series, Formula 3000. The format was conceived by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, while Ecclestone also has the rights to the name GP1... Champion 2008 |
| Andy Priaulx Andy Priaulx Andrew Graham Priaulx, MBE is a British racing driver from Guernsey. He is a European Touring Car Championship champion, three times World Touring Car Championship champion and the only FIA Touring Car champion to win an International level championship for four consecutive years... |
World Touring Car Championship World Touring Car Championship For the video game, known as World Touring Car Championship in Japan, see TOCA World Touring CarsThe FIA World Touring Car Championship is an international Touring Car championship sanctioned by the FIA.-History:... Champion 2005, 2006, 2007 |
| Roman Rusinov Roman Rusinov Roman Aleksandrovich Rusinov is a Russian auto racing driver.Rusinov was the first Russian driver to win an international race in Europe, in 2000 he won the International Renault Finals in French Formula Renault. In 2002 he led the Formula Palmer Audi championship till the last event, but collided... |
Midland F1 Racing Midland F1 Racing Midland F1 Racing was a Formula One constructor and racing team. It competed in the 2006 Formula One season with drivers Christijan Albers and Tiago Monteiro. The team was created by the renaming of Jordan Grand Prix after its purchase by Canadian businessman, and owner of the Midland Group, Alex... test driver |
| Darren Turner Darren Turner Darren Turner is an English racing driver. He was McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year in 1996. He is a former test driver for the McLaren Formula One team, but has raced primarily in touring cars and sportscars since 2000. He spent 2 years in the DTM for Keke Rosberg's... |
24 Hours of Le Mans 24 Hours of Le Mans The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have to balance speed against the cars' ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining... driver, BTCC British Touring Car Championship The British Touring Car Championship is a touring car racing series held each year in the United Kingdom. The Championship was established in 1958 as the British Saloon Car Championship and has run to various rules over the years – "production cars", then FIA Group 1 or 2 in the late 1960s... driver |
| Danny Watts Danny Watts Danny Watts is a British racing driver.Danny Watts started racing in 1993, when he began karting. After five seasons of karting, he stepped up to single seater racing in 1998 in the UK Formula First championship, in which he dominated with 12 wins... |
Le Mans Series Le Mans Series The Le Mans Series is a European sports car racing endurance series based around the 24 Hours of Le Mans race and run by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . The series was originally named the Le Mans Endurance Series, but changed its name prior to the 2006 season... driver, A1GP A1 Grand Prix A1 Grand Prix was a 'single make' open-wheel auto racing series. It was unique in its field in that competitors solely represented their nation as opposed to themselves or a team, the usual format in most formula racing series. As such, it was often promoted as the "World Cup of Motorsport"... driver |
| Justin Wilson |
Formula One Formula One Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which... , Champ Car Champ Car Champ Car was the name for a class and specification of open wheel cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades, primarily for use in the Indianapolis 500 auto race... and IndyCar IndyCar Series The IZOD IndyCar Series is the premier level of American open wheel racing. The current championship, founded by Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George, began in 1996 as a competitor to CART known as the Indy Racing League . Citing CART's increasing reliance on expensive machinery and... |
 Björn WirdheimBjörn Wirdheim Björn Karl Michael Wirdheim is an auto racing driver. Wirdheim is the son of Örnulf Wirdheim, a Swedish racing driver. He began racing karts, competing in his first race, at the age of 10... |
Formula 3000 Champion 2003, Champ Car Champ Car Champ Car was the name for a class and specification of open wheel cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades, primarily for use in the Indianapolis 500 auto race... driver |
| Roger Yasukawa Roger Yasukawa Roger Yasukawa is a Japanese-American auto racing driver.Yasukawa started karting in Southern California, winning the California State Championship in 1991 in Junior Sportsman. He then moved to Italy to compete in JICA... |
IndyCar IndyCar Series The IZOD IndyCar Series is the premier level of American open wheel racing. The current championship, founded by Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George, began in 1996 as a competitor to CART known as the Indy Racing League . Citing CART's increasing reliance on expensive machinery and... driver |
Notable FPA records
The following records apply only to Formula Palmer Audi Championship races, and not the Formula Palmer Audi Autumn Trophy.- Most wins - Jon BarnesJon BarnesJon Barnes is a British racing driver.- Early career :Barnes started racing in karting, where he finished in the top ten in both the Junior and Senior TKM Super One British Kart Racing Championships.- Car racing career :In 2002, Barnes moved into car racing...
(nine) - Most wins in a season - Jon BarnesJon BarnesJon Barnes is a British racing driver.- Early career :Barnes started racing in karting, where he finished in the top ten in both the Junior and Senior TKM Super One British Kart Racing Championships.- Car racing career :In 2002, Barnes moved into car racing...
(nine) - Most consecutive wins - Jon BarnesJon BarnesJon Barnes is a British racing driver.- Early career :Barnes started racing in karting, where he finished in the top ten in both the Junior and Senior TKM Super One British Kart Racing Championships.- Car racing career :In 2002, Barnes moved into car racing...
(seven) (20062006 Formula Palmer Audi season2006 was the ninth year of the Formula Palmer Audi open-wheel racing series. Englishman Jon Barnes won the Championship, while American Dane Cameron took the Autumn Trophy-2006 Championship:The 2006 FPA Championship took in 15 rounds at six meetings...
) - Most pole positions in a season - Jonathan KennardJonathan KennardJonathan Kennard is an English racing driver. He has won 2 series titles, Formula Palmer Audi in 2004 and the FPA Winter Trophy the previous year in 2003. He has also completed several tests for the WilliamsF1 team.He is race winner in both the National class and Championship class of British...
(10) (2004) - Most points scored in a season - 360 Tim BridgmanTim BridgmanTimothy James Bridgman is a British race car driver from England.Bridgman was born in Harlow and educated at Felsted School. He raced for Jensen Motorsport in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship in 2006, finishing the season ranked 16th overall. He was the 2004 Formula BMW UK champion, and...
, 20072007 Formula Palmer Audi season2007 saw the 10th season of the Formula Palmer Audi open wheel racing series, contested over 20 races between 7 April and 23 September. The championship was won by Tim Bridgman in his first Palmer Audi season.-Championship:...
; Jason MooreJason Moore (racing driver)-Karting:Moore began his karting career in 2000 aged 11, with a campaign in the Super 1 National Cadet Championship. Moore finished 24th in the championship, with a best finish of 10th coming at Rowrah....
, 20082008 Formula Palmer Audi season-Championship:The 2008 Henderson Formula Palmer Audi Championship was incredibly competitive, with seven winners through the season and a three-way championship battle going into the final round.... - Most consecutive pole positions - Jonathan KennardJonathan KennardJonathan Kennard is an English racing driver. He has won 2 series titles, Formula Palmer Audi in 2004 and the FPA Winter Trophy the previous year in 2003. He has also completed several tests for the WilliamsF1 team.He is race winner in both the National class and Championship class of British...
(six) (2004)
See also
- FIA Formula Two ChampionshipFIA Formula Two Championship-Chassis:Named after both Jonathan Palmer and Patrick Head, the Williams JPH1 chassis and survival cell is of carbon fibre composite monocoque construction. The car was designed to comply with 2005 FIA F1 Safety Regulations. Head protection conforms to the latest 2009 F1 standards...
- FPA 'next tier' championship operated by MotorSportVision