A1GP news

Urbano expects tide has turned

A1 Team Portugal driver Joao Urbano believes that the team has turned a corner after an impressive performance in Taupo, New Zealand last weekend.

Urbano was running in a strong fourth in the Feature race, before his race was effectively over after being given a drive-through penalty for a pit entry line violation. He had already scored his best result of the season - eighth place - in the Sprint race after a sterling drive from 14th on the grid.

And despite not reaching his full potential in the Feature, the 22 -year-old believes there could be an upturn in form from the Mediterranean squad for the rest of the season. 'We showed good improvement in Taupo,' Urbano said. 'We definitely turned a corner and from now on things will be good. My qualifying was really good - it was a big improvement. The race pace was good for me in both races and we were as fast as the guys in front of me.

'It was frustrating that a good result in the Feature didn't happen. I hope this is the start of something good now and we have turned things around.

'I didn't know Taupo yet we managed to do a really good job setting up the car. Throughout practice and qualifying we got better and that's what we need to do in Eastern Creek.'

Portugal's five points puts it in 16th place in the championship standings.

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