A1GP news

Duran returns at Mexican Grand Prix

Salvador Duran is to make a sensational return to race for A1 Team Mexico.
Duran has not raced for the squad since Zandvoort in 2007/08, some 24 races ago, however the team has confirmed he will compete for the first time in the new A1GP Powered by Ferrari car at next weekend's A1GP Taupo, New Zealand.

The 23-year-old is Mexico's most capped driver and has also been its most successful.

Duran bust onto the A1GP with a podium position in the very first A1GP event back at Brands Hatch in 2005, and went on to win two races for Mexico in Laguna Seca that same season. He has scored nine medals in his time with Mexico.

It was thought that Duran's Mexico future was all but over after appearing to fall out of favour with the team, with promising drivers such as David Garza being preferred and given the chance to shine.

However, with Garza and selected other drivers having only scored five points in those 24 races since Duran was last in the car, the team has decided to bring him back. Juan Pablo Garcia will back him up as rookie driver in Taupo and planned rookie Esteban Guierrez will still get to compete in some rookie sessions this season.

"David Garza will no longer drive for the team and we want to thank him for his valuable participation and enthusiasm," said a team statement. "A1 Team Mexico wishes him the best of luck in the future.

"Two familiar names are returning to the team: Salvador 'Chava' Duran and Juan Pablo Garcia. Chava was the first driver of the team and brought in several podium finishes and two wins.

"Juan Pablo also has some experience with the team and now he's back as a rookie driver. This lineup will start from next weekend's race in Taupo, New Zealand, and both drivers will be joined by Esteban Gutierrez, who won the Formula BMW Europe championship in 2008. Esteban will be rookie driver in some A1GP events."

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