A1GP news

New Zealand aims to challenge Germany

The New Zealand team in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport is targeting this weekend's ninth round in Mexico as crucial to its hopes of gaining on championship leader Germany.

The third-to-last event of the season will be run over the 4.46km Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City and second-placed Black Beauty is aiming to eat into the 30-point lead Germany has in the series.

A1 Team.NZL is keen to capitalise on the absence of teenage wunderkid Nico Hülkenberg, missing due to prior Euro F3 commitments, and put the pressure on Germany's 17-year-old rookie driver Christian Vietoris.

Jonny Reid, back in the driver's seat after Matt Halliday's fine effort in scoring two 3rd placings at the Durban round three weekends ago, says Hülkenberg's absence is a two-edged sword. "He's done all the driving this season, so there's been minimal time for Christian in the car," Reid said. "But as a Rookie Driver he has the opportunity to run in two more practice sessions this weekend and get to grips with the track a lot quicker.

"Regardless of how well he goes, we won't be giving up. The points margin is more than we'd like, but if we keep our heads down, stay focused and keep striving for race wins hopefully we can close the gap."

Vote or add to:

more news

• 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
  • Britain on top at home
  • Mallya hits back at A1 GP boss
• 24 Apr.
  • Martinez to race at Brands Hatch
• 20 Apr.
  • A1GP to hit streets of London next weekend
• 14 Apr.
  • A1 Team Korea to join World Cup of Motorsport next season
• 13 Apr.
  • Switzerland moves in on title, despite gearbox problem
  • Germany fights back for six points
  • Britain closes to within 12 points of France
  • France left aiming for runner-up spot
  • Bad weekend in China for Dutch
  • USA takes maiden victory in feature race
  • Swiss close in on title with sprint race win
  • Photos: Sunday in Shanghai
• 12 Apr.
  • Switzerland celebrates double pole
  • Germany expected better qualifying result
  • Tough day for France
  • Britain hoped for more in qualifying
  • Switzerland takes both poles
  • Photos: Saturday in Shanghai

Homepage