A1GP news

Jani well underway for Switzerland

Since they arrived in Taupo, Neel Jani and 18 years old rookie, Tom Dillman acclimatised to the place and the track new to both drivers and took part in a fishing trout fishing challenge on the magnificent Lake Taupo on Thursday morning as part of the build up to this weekend's A1GP. 

In the Friday rookie sessions where Canada Robert Wickens was the fastest overall (1.17.070), Tom Dillmann completed 12 laps setting a time of 1.19.116. Switzerland engineer James Robinson had a routine technical program to work through with Dillmann. In the first official practice session, Neel Jani put a great show on for the additional new comers TV viewers that have newly joined at Swiss STAR TV now broadcasting SSF - Schweizer Sport Fernsehen. 

After a difficult session, Neel completed a third fastest time (1.15.919), only 0.374' behind fastest France- Loic Duval and Ireland Adam Carroll, second fastest.

Tom Dillmann says: "I had a good two sessions and also demonstrated consistent laps but I am not satisfied with the times for my first outing at Taupo Circuit. The main thing is to have worked well and delivered what the technical team expected from me. The track is narrow, tight and twisty. Reminds me of a karting track. I only was able to complete five fast full laps that we used well to check the brakes. It was a good working session that allowed me to learn the track and find my pace again at the wheel of the car that I had not driven since the summer Silverstone session and the session was a lot of work. Everything went according to engineering plan. I hope this will bring good data to Neel for the rest of this week-end."

Preparations for qualifying and the races have continued in the official practice session under bright sun and hot temperatures with Neel Jani driving for the first time at Taupo to prepare for qualifying and Sunday's races. After a difficult start where the Swiss driver encountered a slow puncture on his rear left tyre which was not possible to be cured until the end of the session as tires are very limited by regulations. However, Jani's concentration was not affected and he made impressive progress with the car set-up, finishing third place overall 1.15.919.

Neel Jani commented, "The track was new to me and I realize you have to be a street fighter to attack this track. It is not smooth nor flowing at all. You need to attack permanently. With the team we did a lot of work over my afternoon's 19 laps and I used part of the session to learn the track. I am pretty happy with the results. To my big surprise, I had a slow puncture on the left rear tyre as I started and was loosing a lot of air. Then I stopped to put some air, but it was not helpful. Nevertheless I got a good run on lap 11 and climbed to third position with 1.15.946. Later, we used the third and fourth outing with the team and the engineers for other additional routine checks of the systems. I finished with an improved time of 1.15.919 but my slow puncture problem was not solved. It will be interesting for the rest of the weekend on the narrow track where everyone will be close together and overtaking conditions are difficult. We still have one session tomorrow morning before qualifying to continue improving the car. This track is really hard work!"

Vote or add to:

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