After a successful debut season, promoters of Formula Master the International Series  have now announced dynamic advances for 2008 including regional and national syndications, a new version of the car and a new track on the calendar.Celebrations following the successful conclusion of the Series’ first year, which saw an average 30 cars start each of the 16 races, were barely over before bosses started looking at how to build on the accomplishment. In total 40 drivers participated from 19 countries during 2007, illustrating the Series’ appeal, with big-name teams from all over the world now in talks for a 2008 drive.That international interest has caught the attention of promoters who are keen to establish regional and national adaptations and capitalise on the growing audience Formula Master commands. Organisers are now in the final stages of establishing both an Oceania Formula Master for 2008/2009 with races to be held in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Philippines and New Zealand and possibly also an Italian version in 2008 with other countries also in discussions.“The Formula Master package is attractive for many reasons,” said Series Director Mauro Sipsz. “The car has been a good base for professional teams to work with, it has provided great training for some very ambitious young drivers and we have all been very entertained by the racing it has produced.“Given all the positive elements, it was only natural to expand the concept and build on it for the future. The new version of the car will gain in performance giving drivers the opportunity to train with the best equipment.”Undoubtedly part of the attraction to Formula Master, the International Series was the racing, some of the toughest in 2007 single-seaters. To enhance this, a new generation of Formula Master cars will be available in 2008.The Honda K20A engine will be used in all cars with the whole lay-out of the engine reviewed, focusing on reduced weight and increased performance. The result has been a new air intake system with four dry-by-wire throttles, new pistons, new conrods and a new dry sump.As well, the 2008 car will feature a Magneti Marelli hydraulic system with a new gearbox and clutch actuator, giving drivers vital experience of the technology they will need to pursue their ultimate objectives. Finally the Magneti Marelli data logging system will be supported by Wintax analysis software to give teams powerful insight into their performance.Yokohama ADVAN has also reconfirmed its partnership with the Series, supplying all tyres throughout 2008 after an extremely beneficial partnership this year.“The decision to continue was an easy one,” said Yokohama’s European Motorsport Manager Matthijs Mathlener. “The Series has show-cased our tyres brilliantly this year and the audience is growing every day. Yokohama is very encouraged by the developments for 2008 and we are sure it will be received well by the motorsport community and its fans.”Formula Master, the International Series2008 Provisional Calendar18 May, SPAIN, Valencia 1 June, FRANCE, Pau15 June, CZECH REP, Brno6 July, PORTUGAL, Estoril27 July, UK, Brands Hatch31 August, GERMANY, Oschersleben21 September, SWEDEN, Anderstorp5 October, ITALY, Monza

Note to editors  To download the image(s) embedded in this press release, follow the link and save to your desktop. As an exciting new single-seater series, Formula Master offers young, aspiring drivers the chance to prove themselves on an international stage (as it is part of the FIA World Touring Car Championship race weekend package), training and preparing them for the highest echelons of single-seater racing in front of a global TV audience provided by Eurosport.

Featuring N.Technology’s Formula Master race car with electric gearshift and clutch paddles and advanced aerodynamics, the car weighs just 550kg including the driver and runs on control tyres by Yokohama. It has already secured 2008 FIA homologation approval – a world first – and has generated excitement from all sectors thanks to its dynamic styling, light-weight body and powerful engine.