A1GP news

Bamber to race for A1 Team New Zealand

A1 Team New Zealand has surprised the A1GP paddock by naming 18-year-old Earl Bamber as its race driver for A1GP Zandvoort next weekend. After helping the team secure the runner-up spot for the second successive time last season, it had been expected by many that Jonny Reid's return to race in the Black Beauty was just a formality.

However, the team has elected to give Bamber his chance, after he impressed in the three rookie sessions he completed last season, combined with the laps under his belt in the new A1GP Powered by Ferrari car during pre-season testing.

"Earl did a great job for the team in testing so we're happy to reward him with the race seat for Zandvoort," confirmed seat holder Colin Giltrap.

Bamber will become just the third driver in A1GP history to be capped for New Zealand, two years after he burst into the motorsport limelight following his Asian Formula BMW championship title as a 16-year-old. "I'm really excited to be racing for A1 Team New Zealand next weekend," Bamber said. "It's a huge honour to represent my country, especially as I've been selected to open the season for the team."

New Zealand has not ruled out Reid returning, saying in a press release he and rookie Chris van der Drift are both expected to drive at some point this season.

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