A1GP news

Canada just out of top ten

James Hinchcliffe bounced back from a frustrating Friday with A1 Team Canada to enjoy a more competitive qualifying run Saturday prior to Round 7 of the 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport at the Eastern Creek International Raceway, Australia.

Making his debut at the 3.93km Sydney circuit this weekend, Hinchcliffe stuck 22 more laps under his belt in Saturday morning's final practice session, posting the 12th fastest lap time, before heading into the afternoon's four-lap qualifying shoot-out. Eighth quickest on his first run on fresh rubber, the 20-year-old from Toronto encouragingly backed that up with the sixth fastest time of the second session on used tires.

James' fastest lap, a 1m18.651s came on his third run, where he was again sixth fastest from the 22 competing nations, before setting his second best time on his final attempt, a 1m19.088s, both hot laps being produced on new tires. Posting an aggregate time of 2m37.739s, Hinchcliffe narrowly missed out on the top-ten for the first time in his rookie season, the Canadian placing 11th on the grid for Sunday morning's 20-minute Sprint race, the results of which then determining the grid order for the afternoon's 70-minute Feature event. Pole position went to current A1GP points leaders, A1 Team Germany, with Niko Hülkenberg joined on the front-row by New Zealand's Jonny Reid.

"It's frustrating to miss out on a top-ten start but I know the car's quick so hopefully I can pick them off one at a time when we go racing tomorrow," commented Hinchcliffe. "We could well have been fifth on the grid if it hadn't been for the fact I was slowed by the Brazilian car in the second sector of my fourth and final qualifying run. I was a tenth up in the first and third sectors but the middle bit cost us as I caught Brazil on their in-lap. I guess you have to have a bit of luck sometimes when you're out there with this qualifying format. If I can keep my nose clean Sunday then hopefully we'll finish strong and come away with a haul of points to boost our top-ten A1GP standing."

more news

• 29 Aug.
  • Monaco joins A1GP
• 26 Aug.
  • A1GP confirms Chengdu round
• 22 Aug.
  • A1GP postpones opening round
• 11 Aug.
  • Changes to sporting regulations to add to excitement
• 05 Aug.
  • Karthikeyan eyes top six with Team India
• 04 Aug.
  • New A1GP car completes wind tunnel testing
• 23 Jul.
  • A1GP Team Italy presents new car
• 22 Jul.
  • Mugello looking forward to season opener
• 21 Jul.
  • South Africa race to be in Gauteng
  • Michein become ofice tyre supplier to A1GP
• 03 Jul.
  • Team Portugal signs Albuquerque
• 27 Jun.
  • Brazilian President backs plans for A1GP in South America
• 25 Jun.
  • Cheng: A1 Team China should find a partner
• 23 Jun.
  • HD quality for A1GP fans
• 13 Jun.
  • Ferrari's A1GP car continues testing
• 09 Jun.
  • A1GP reveals new calendar
  • Two big tests planned for A1GP teams
• 29 May
  • Ammermuller looks back at interesting season
• 27 May
  • First shakedown for Ferrari powered A1GP chassis
• 13 May
  • A1GP reveals first drawing 2008/2009 chassis
• 06 May
  • Jani: Greatest moment in my career
• 04 May
  • Germany left deflated at Brands Hatch
  • Britain snatches championship bronze at home
  • France loses third to Britain in finale
  • Dutch hope for more than seventh next year
  • India takes dramatic victory in feature race
  • Photos: Sunday at Brands Hatch
  • Britain takes home sprint victory
  • Switzerland clinches 2008 title
• 03 May
  • Ireland confident starting from second row
  • Disappointment for Dutch
  • Germany hoped for more from qualifying
  • Kerr fancies chances after taking pole
  • Britain and India clinch poles
  • Photos: Saturday at Brands Hatch
  • China sets surprise practice pace
  • Photos: Friday at Brands Hatch
• 02 May
  • Team GBR lifted by practice pace
  • Netherlands happy with first day
  • France looking for improvement

Homepage