A1GP news

Congfu Cheng to carry Olympic Torch

A1 Team China driver, Congfu Cheng, is about to become part of history as he participates in the Olympic Torch Relay, a tradition that goes back to the year 766 BC, when the first recorded Olympic games were held. In an honour that is afforded to very few athletes, let alone racing drivers, he will be a Torchbearer for the Olympic Flame as it sets out on its path across Greece on Monday (24 March), its final journey before the Games of the XXIX Olympiad - Beijing 2008.

With the driver, who is usually known as 'Franky', coming from Beijing, it is obviously very special for him to be involved in the flame's final journey before it is officially handed over to Beijing: 'It is my great honour and a dream for all sports people to be nominated as one of the Torchbearers and to carry the flame in Greece. Hopefully my appearance in the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay will help promote motorsport in China, and encourage more Chinese people to get involved in this exciting sport. I will try my best to bring more honours to my country in A1GP World Cup of Motorsport. I would like to welcome all the people going to my home town for this great event.'

The games will be held from 8 - 24 August 2008, and A1 Team China driver Cheng has a double reason to celebrate as his 24th birthday is on 15 August.

The journey of the flame in Greece is full of ancient symbolism. On Monday 24 March, the flame will come to life in Olympia and the High Priestess will hand it over to the first of the Torchbearers. Cheng's duties will be on the first day of its 1528 km journey, in the hands of 605 Torchbearers, through 16 prefectures, 43 municipalities, 12 municipality districts, and four communities while 29 ceremonies will be held. It will arrive on 30 March in the Panathenian Stadium with the final Torchbearer and then on the eve of the handover to Beijing the flame will spend the night on the ancient Acropolis.

After his torch bearing duties, Franky will head to Shanghai for the penultimate round of the 2007/08 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport where he will compete for his country against 21 nations at the Shanghai International Circuit from 11 - 13 April 2008.

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