A1GP news

New Zealand signs surprise rookie

A1 Team New Zealand has made a surprise call-up for this weekend's A1GP Sepang, Malaysia - recruiting 17-year-old schoolboy Earl Bamber for the rookie drivers' role.  With Formula Renault ace Brendon Hartley testing for the team during the off-season at Silverstone, most experts expected him to finally be given the chance to show himself during an A1GP race weekend in Malaysia. In the last race in Brno, Czech Republic, Hartley was unavailable for selection due to other racing commitments.

However, officials hope they have played a canny strategy by bringing 2006 Formula BMW Asia champion Earl Bamber to the team. Bamber has vast knowledge of the Sepang International Circuit, the venue for next weekend's third round of the series, and it is hoped this will be key in helping regular driver Jonny Reid have the perfect car set-up when he begins practice this Friday afternoon.

Bamber has also driven the circuit in a Formula V6 Renault, a car closer in performance to an A1GP car than the Formula BMW machine he has been victorious in.

"It's a difficult track, tricky to get used to, not least because it's five kilometres long," Bamber said. "It's a big help that I've completed so many laps there, but having the experience around the circuit is one thing, driving an A1GP car is another. It's going to be a pretty big step up. It's strange to go from keen observer to active participant,' Bamber said. 'I don't want to get ahead of myself, but in some way I'd like to help contribute to Jonny's two race wins and I'll be working hard to achieve that."

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