LIKELY Formula One stars of the future will be fighting for honours when Thruxton hosts a round of the Formula Palmer Audi (FPA) series this year.

The series that revolutionised motorsport last year, the championship run by former grand prix driver Jonathan Palmer provides young drivers with a great opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to the talent-hungry F1 and F3000 teams.

This year's FPA calendar features 18 races staged over nine 'double header' weekends - and the two races to be staged at Thruxton on 29 July will feature 22 cars with full 300bhp, 1.8-litre turbocharged engines.

Audi have recognised that the RPA has become a highly respected part of international motorsport and is a proving ground for young talent.

"Audi is excited about the future and proud that in only one in over 1,000 race starts have our engines failed," said Audi UK motorsport manager David Ingram.

FPA series founder Jonathan Palmer added that they have had a massive impact since he started the series three years ago.

"I'm determined to ensure that this year series is producing the best young talent in the world," he said.