Doornbos voted top A1GP rookie

Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing driver Robert Doornbos was voted A1GP Best Rookie or New Driver for the 2008-09 season via a poll on the international series' Web site.

Doornbos, driving for Team Netherlands, recorded three podium finishes (including winning the sprint race in Portugal) and one pole start (feature race in Portugal) in his five starts.

Team Netherlands, which finished fourth in the standings, also was voted the fans' favorite team.

"It goes beyond saying what a great driver and talent Robert Doornbos is," team principal Jan Lammers said. "He definitely contributed to the spirit in our team and drove all of us, including (lead driver) Jeroen Bleekemolen, to the best of our abilities. He truly deserves this award and we are proud that he was able to do it with our team."

Also nominated were Marco Andretti from Team USA, Zahir Ali (Indonesia), Earl Bamber (New Zealand), Felipe Guimaraes (Brazil), Daniel Morad (Lebanon), Clivio Piccione (Monaco) and Danny Watts (Great Britain). Andretti also was nominated for Best Overtaking Move. IndyCar.com