A1GP news

Hartley to debut in home Grand Prix

Brendon Hartley will finally get his chance to drive for A1 Team New Zealand in Taupo's rookie sessions, the team has confirmed. The 2007 Formula Renault Euro Cup champion will drive in the two 25-minute sessions in the team's home event next weekend, before regular driver Jonny Reid takes the reins for the rest of the weekend.

Hartley partnered Reid in pre-season testing at Silverstone last August, but the team has not called him up until now. 'I really enjoyed my experience at Silverstone, but representing your country at home in a championship round is going up a gear,' Hartley said. 'I'm keen to help out any way I can and contribute towards New Zealand winning.'

The 18-year-old is keen to put his foot down, but promises to act in the best interests of the team, which is currently 20 points adrift of Switzerland but just one point behind second-placed France. 'I can't be too stupid,' he added. 'The team is not going to be happy if I crash. I'm expected to generate info and help with the set-up so I've just got to be professional and do the job required.

'Unfortunately I won't be able to rely on home advantage because it's been a while since I've raced in New Zealand, more than a year and a half. I haven't driven around Taupo because it's so new, so I'll be in the same boat as most of the other rookies.'

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