A1GP news

Rookies share the load for France

A1 Team France had its first day's practice on the Durban circuit in South Africa. Nicolas Prost did the two rookie sessions in the morning and then handed over to Jonathan Cochet for the afternoon. Nicolas set the ninth quickest time and Jonathan the fifteenth. 

"The Durban circuit is very tricky as a few drivers found out to their cost!" exclaimed sporting director Olivier Panis. "Our aim was to prepare for the rest of the weekend on a step-by-step basis. And, of course, not to damage the car. Nicolas and Jonathan are both professional drivers, and they did a great job which should help us to fight at the front in qualifying tomorrow." 

Jonathan Cochet commented, "I got a real kick out of driving today. The Durban circuit is great fun with its quick sections and tight corners. It takes a little time to get used to it, and I wasn't able to get the best out of the new tyres in the opening laps. But I went quicker and quicker with every run. I was on the point of setting a good time at the end of the day when I had to lift off due to a red flag. But it doesn't really matter, as we were not going for a time today. Loïc, the car's ready and waiting for you!" 

Nicolas Prost added, "I'm happy with today as it enabled me to get my bearings at the wheel of the A1 Team France car. Overall, I'm satisfied with my level of performance, which I achieved in very little time. I also felt very confident behind the wheel. Taking risks in some of the trickier corners was out of the question so I lost the odd tenth here and there. But this didn't stop me from giving the team the maximum amount of feedback."

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