A1GP News Update
The Dutch, who have proved one of the most enthusiastic and loyal set of fans, will be able to see the car of A1 Team Netherlands at the annual Rizla Racing Day at the world famous TT Circuit Assen on Sunday 9 August.
The event provides a unique atmosphere for race fans who get free access to the finest grand stands and enjoy a full day’s car, motorcycle and superkart racing and stunts.
A1 Team Australia’s John Martin, the driver most likely to be in the Australian cockpit for the Nitro SuperGP this October, took victory in the Superleague Formula event at Donington Park in Britain yesterday (2 August).
Martin won the finale event for the top six of the weekend, which is held between the top three from the two races held over the weekend with Martin qualifying for the race via a second place. The victory was British team Glasgow Rangers maiden Superleague Formula victory.
A1 Team Australia seat holder Alan Jones said he was pleased to see Martin take the win as the countdown to this October’s Nitro SuperGP continues.
“John is certainly fulfilling the expectations which we have all had of him," said Jones.
“He is proving that he is getting better and better and stronger as a driver, and the miles he is doing in Europe and these wins will help his confidence and of course bode well for his next outing in the A1 Team Australia car."
The Nitro SuperGP is produced through a partnership between the Queensland Government and IMG – tickets for this year’s event are on sale now through Ticketek.
For all the latest ticket information visit the event’s website www.SuperGP.com. From a one day General Admission ticket to a four-day Platinum Grandstand seat, the Nitro SuperGP has ticket options to suit every style and pocket. See www.SuperGP.com for all ticketing information, terms and conditions and prices.
At the last round of the Firestone Indy Lights series, the Firestone Indy Lights Grand Prix of Edmonton (25 July), A1 Team USA’s J.R. Hildebrand took his third win of the season to remain out in front in the championship standings.
"We were running our own pace and I think the other guys started to fall off a little bit," said Hildebrand. “I was just trying to run the same lap time from start to end and the car came to me a little bit as the tires went off, so I didn't have to take too many risks to accomplish that. We were able to bring home another win. It's a great circuit. It keeps you on your toes from top to bottom and front to back. I'm happy for the guys. We had a frustrating weekend at Toronto, but everyone did a great job this weekend."
A1GP pit lane commentator James Hinchcliffe finished fourth, his fifth top-five finish of the season.
Several Firestone Indy Lights competitors also paid tribute to Formula 2 driver Henry Surtees, the son of former A1 Team Great Britain principal John Surtees, with a memorial decal on their cars.
The idea was sparked by British drivers Martin Plowman and Pippa Mann, who knew the 18-year-old who died following an accident while racing at Brands Hatch, England on 19 July.
Earlier this month Hinchcliffe claimed his fourth third-place finish this season at his home event, the Honda Indy Toronto on the streets of Toronto, 12 July. Hildebrand finished second behind Sebastian Saavedra.
Current A1GP World Champion Ireland’s star driver Adam Carroll is also continuing to be sought after as he decides what the future holds for him. He spent last weekend in Hungary putting his talents to good use acting as driver coach to iSport’s Giedo van der Garde. The Dutchman went on to score his maiden GP2 Series win in Sunday’s sprint race at the Hungaroring after finishing 7th in Saturday’s race.
The 26-year-old racer from Northern Ireland is naturally seeking a move to Formula 1 or IRL for 2010 and has recently been rumored to be linked to a drive with the newly created Manor Grand Prix.
A1 Team Malaysia helped keep visitors entertained at the Indonesia Motorshow in Jakarta this week with the team’s race simulator appearing on the Proton stand. A1 Team Malaysia has a close relationship with commercial partner, Proton, who were at the show for the international launch of the new Proton Exora MPV vehicle.
The team’s simulator has proved to be a popular vehicle on the Proton stand with team member Tomy Mathen George, on hand to help the budding A1GP drivers get to grips with the challenge of driving a highly sophisticated racing car. George has also been kept busy giving stand visitors more information on A1 Team Malaysia and the A1GP Series.
Mathen George says of his trip to the Indonesia Motor Show in Jakarta, “There has been plenty of interest in our team and no shortage of people wanting to try their hand at driving a racing car. I think it has been a very worthwhile addition to the Proton display and has encouraged visitors to take a closer look at the Proton range of cars. I’ve enjoyed meeting many fans of the team and I hope that they will be supporting us in the next season of racing which starts again later this year."
A1 Team Malaysia has proudly displayed the Proton logo on its race car and team uniforms since the launch of the A1GP Series in 2005. Since this time the team has supported Proton at many events, including drivers participating in a launch at the Australian Motor Show.
Owen Leed, Commercial Director, A1 Team Malaysia explains, “We are always keen to add value to our commercial partnerships and our presence at this Motor Show with the team’s simulator is a very appropriate marketing opportunity for both the team and Proton. We can draw visitors to the Proton stand with our interactive display chassis, while also promoting the car manufacturer’s links with our international racing team, which represents Malaysia in the nation versus nation championship."