A1GP news

Urbano to race for Portugal

Joao Urbano will be used by A1 Team Portugal as its lead driver for this season, the team has confirmed. The 22-year-old has been announced today as the team's number one and will test the car at this week's official pre-season test in Silverstone, Great Britain.

Urbano has started two races for A1 Team Portugal, when he drove in Shanghai, China towards the end of last season, but officials were impressed enough with his pace to give him their backing for 2007/08. 'We firmly believe Joao Urbano is the ideal pick for the official driver slot,' said Luis Vicente, Team Principal of A1 Team Portugal.

'He is an extremely fast driver with previous knowledge of the car and will be exclusively focused in our A1GP challenge. Unlike what has been mentioned, Joao has always been our top pick.

'We will be granting the opportunity to a number of young drivers to take part in several rookie sessions throughout the season and will be announcing how the process will take place shortly. It is our desire to involve the general public, giving fans the opportunity to have an active contribution and participation in the driver's selection.'

Vicente took the opportunity to pay tribute to the efforts of Alvaro Parente, who has driven 26 races for the team, but has not been selected to return. Parente's best finish for the squad was second in the Sprint race in Eastern Creek, Australia in 2005.

Vicente added: 'I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Alvaro for his commitment and contribution to the project while he was on-board. I'm certain we will reach his goals in the short term and wish him on behalf of A1GP Team Portugal and myself, the greatest success for his future career.'

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