A1GP news

Reid to sit out weekend after crash

New Zealand driver Jonny Reid will take no further part in this weekend's final round of the A1GP season after a crash in the first official practice at Brands Hatch. Reid hit a barrier on the second lap of the one-hour session, leaving the 23-year-old with a swollen left hand and unable to grip the steering wheel.

Although the left front corner of Black Beauty was bumped off, it was quickly repaired and the car would have been fine to complete the session. With Reid out of commission, however, it won't be back on track until Saturday's second practice session.

Fellow foundation driver Matt Halliday, who was to share driving duties with Reid, will now be behind the wheel for the rest of the weekend as New Zealand strives to cement second place in the championship behind Germany.

The accident took place on an uphill braking area that is supposed to be the slowest corner on the circuit, but A1 Team New Zealand spokesman Bob McMurray said the impact was significant and the team's only concern was for Reid.

"His index and middle fingers are swollen and bruised and will be given a thorough examination later today," McMurray said. "We're just relieved that he walked away in one piece because your heart always skips a beat when a car hits a barrier like that."

Reid says he's "had better days", but is simply pleased that the car is fine.

"When I realised it wasn't going to take the corner I tried so hard to keep it off the wall," Reid said.

"I'm still struggling to comprehend what happened because I'd given the brakes a good work-out and it was on an uphill slope.

"Hitting the wall is a strange feeling that I've never experienced in an A1 car before, but I'm thankful we'll be back on track on Saturday.

"Matt is equally determined to ensure we keep our nearest rivals, Great Britain, at bay and my role changes to supporting him and the team as best as I can."

Germany has already taken the A1GP title and New Zealand is 14 points ahead of the third-placed British with a maximum of 17 points on offer this weekend.

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