The series was most famous for producing ex-F1 driver and IndyCar race-winner Justin Wilson, and triple World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx.

After a brief foray into Europe, FPA evolved into a series predominantly for gentleman drivers looking to combine business with pleasure.

[citation needed] However, having produced nominees for the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC Award for five consecutive years from 2004 to 2008, including 2007 winner Stefan Wilson,[4][5] FPA began to re-emerge as a viable option for young aspiring drivers on the path to Formula One.

[citation needed] FPA race weekend hospitality was provided on a par with FIA Formula Two Championship, and was able to accommodate 300 guests trackside.

The cars are powered by a 300 brake horsepower (224 kW; 304 PS) Audi 1.8 litre, inline-four cylinder 20 valve double overhead camshaft turbocharged[3] production petrol engine.

[4] Prepared and built by Mountune Racing, the engine also features a driver operated turbo 'boost' button, which temporarily gives the car a 60 brake horsepower (45 kW; 61 PS) increase.

[3] The chassis and body is made of aluminium honeycomb monocoque, the basic structure of which complies with the current FIA Formula Three safety regulations.

The FPA cars feature fully independent suspension based on a double wishbone design, with geometry which includes anti-squat and anti-dive pushrod operation.

[3] 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 Prix,[2] Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters or the World Touring Car Championship.

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.

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 journalist and commentator Jeremy Shaw to allow promising young American drivers the chance to gain experience of European racing.

At present, Formula Palmer Audi is broadcast on Motors TV,[8] a pan-European subscription satellite station.