A1GP news

Netherlands happy with Friday progress

In this morning's Rookie session Renger van der Zande managed to set a seventh fastest time in the first segment and improve further in segment two, finishing in fifth in the end with a fastest lap time of 1'37.436

At two o' clock in the afternoon and under sunny conditions, the first of two official free practice sessions started. Van der Zande was able to set his fastest time of 1'36.232 at the start of the session, but unfortunately encountered some traffic on his laps with new tyres. A1 Team Netherlands managed to stay inside the top five for some time, but finished the session in ninth.

Renger van der Zande; "I had quite a bit of traffic with my new tyres, this also hindered me from setting a really fast lap. That was too bad. Otherwise we could have been quite a bit faster I think. After that we were in quite a good position, top four. But the guys in front were running very fast on their used tyres. We did manage to find our problem in the Rookie session, we were suffering from understeer in the car. At the start of this afternoon's session we also had some understeer, but with every step we made with the set up the understeer got less. We are heading towards the right balance. Also we did not want to drive too many laps, because then we will have newer tyres for tomorrow. I think we are heading in the right direction, but there still is enough room for improvement.

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