Talkin Sport - A1GP World Cup of Motorsport

A1 Team Australia will start a new rookie at the next round of the ‘World Cup of Motorsport’ in Shanghai, China. Sydneysider Nathan Antunes comes to the team with extensive open wheel experience including stints in Formula BMW, Formula 3 and GP2. Both Nathan and lead driver John Martin will experience the Shanghaicircuit for the first time in this penultimate round of season three.

A1GP World Cup of Motorsport – Round 9/10 Location: Shanghai International Circuit, Jiading District, Shanghai Track length: 4.6 km / 2.9 miles No. turns: 13 Direction: Clockwise
Lap record: 1m 36.033s, set by Jonny Reid, A1 Team New Zealand, April 2007
Address: Shanghai International Circuit, 29/F Jiushi Tower, 28 Zhongshan Road (South), Shanghai, 200010 .

A1GP has visited the ultra-modern Shanghai International Circuit for the past two seasons – and it has provided four different winners. Malaysia, Czech Republic, Great Britain and New Zealand have all tasted victory at the facility, which continues to receive plaudits as one of the best-built and modern racetracks in the world.

An alternative, 4.6-kilometre version used for the 2006/07 season, which eliminated three corners and introduced a chicane, had the effect of bunching the field up for longer through the circuit, creating more exciting, closer racing. The onekilometre straight at the end of the lap also provided for frequent passing manoeuvres, but the first corner has provided the most spectacular manoeuvres.

A1 TEAM AUSTRALIA PAST RESULTS:
2005-2006 RESULTS Driver Ryan Briscoe
SPRINT RACE GRID POSITION 9th RESULT 9th
FEATURE RACE GRID POSITION 9th RESULT 3rd
2006-2007 RESULTS Driver Ian Dyk
SPRINT RACE GRID POSITION 21ST RESULT 16TH
FEATURE RACE GRID POSITION 16TH RESULT 21st

Alan Jones A1 Team Australia Seatholder:

“This is a very important race likeall others, where we have to secure the best points to move back up the championship ladder. John has not raced here before, nor has our new Rookie Nathan Antunes ever driven our A1GP racecar. Again we have created the opportunity for young talent to shine on the International motorsport stage with A1 Team Australia. Shanghai International Circuit has a very long fast back straight, with challenging corners and a long pit lane. We provided Nathan Antunes the best informationpossible in Mexico with our engineers and driver on the car setup and team strategies and communications. Both young guys are working and talking toeach other so we feel confident of a good weekend”

John Martin:

“Shanghai is a great circuit to simulate on with Playstation, as many international drivers use this type of feedback on tracks they have neverbeen on before. The last race there for the team was a good one to start thoughthe result was not so good in the end. Year before was a podium so I have mytarget set to do well there. This week I have spent valuable time talking overrace strategy with Rob [Arnott] and Ash [Edwards]. We arrive on Thursday morningto have a good walk around the entire circuit with our engineers and rookiedriver to review what we discussed this week and take notice of the weather forecast for tyre selection”

Rob Arnott Chief Engineer:

“Shanghai has a lot of speed on the front and backstraights, so we are confident as the car is quick. Tyre degradation will play a vital part in our plan to get our car high up on the grid for both races. John like Nathan is new to Shanghai, as are some other drivers. We will let Nathan get used to the car at his pace so John can set it up for Saturday’s all important qualifying”

Nathan Antunes:

“I am keen to get into the car, and thank everyone for the opportunity. The information and feedback from Alan Jones is no doubt a very valuable asset to have access to at anytime. We have so much to draw from with his experience; the engineers were excellent in Mexico to understand the entire car setup. Adam Gotch with his crew made it quite clear, on how to best prepare for Friday in Shanghai and look forward to a walk around the circuit on Thursday with John Rob and Ash. I met John again in Mexico, we soon swapped information together over the weekend, good vibe inside the team, and together we will do our best for the team and our country in China.

Ted Toleman founder of Toleman Motorsport, the Team who gave AyrtonSenna his first Formula One drive:”After observing Nathan in Australian, France and driving competitively in New Zealand, we are convinced he has the ability to be a frontrunner in his chosen sport. He has the correct mental and personal to compete at the highest level. He is professional in his approach to motor racing and aware of the ‘up’s and downs’ he will encounter whilst attempting to achieve a permanent seat in A1GP”

TV COVERAGE:
FOXSports2
13 April at 22.00 delayed
15 April at 15.00 delayed
17 April at 01.00 delayed
Nine Network
13 April at 02.00 highlights
TV SPORTS UPDATES
SKY News Sport for Qualifying and both Race results