A1GP news

Martin targets home win in Surfers Paradise

A1 Team Australia racer John Martin believes that victory is 'a realistic target' when racing in front of a partisan home crowd at the Nikon SuperGP in Surfers Paradise next month.

A1GP makes its debut around the famous Gold Coast streets on October 22-25 - the first time that any international single-seater series other than America's Indy or Champ Cars have raced there in the race's 19-year history.

And Martin, Australia's most capped driver in A1GP history, believes that victory in the 2009/10 season opener is a genuine possibility.

"Being in the Australian car, in an Australian team in front of a home crowd is going to be awesome," Martin said. "I'm sure we'll be really competitive there and I feel a win is a realistic target. To win on the Gold Coast will be a dream come true.

"It's going to be my first home race for a while and for it to be on the Gold Coast at the SuperGP is going to be awesome. It's probably the best street circuit in the world and to race in front of a home crowd is going to be very special."

A1 Team Australia has never won an A1GP race, however Martin has reason to believe that could change at Surfers Paradise. He has tasted success at the circuit before, having won the Formula 3 challenge supporting event last season, and has also studied the IndyCar races at the 4.7-km course.

"I've watched the race since as far back as I can remember," he added. "It's one of those events that you'd watch every year because it's always full of excitement, crashes and action.

"A1GP racing on the Gold Coast can produce all that action and more. If you look back at the history of A1GP, it's always provided great racing and there's no reason to think we won't put on a great show when we get there.

"The circuit rewards big commitment and driving a fast big horsepower car like the A1GP Powered by Ferrari car will be a mega lap around Surfers. It's a really fast circuit and it's going to suit our cars really well.

"I think the crowd are really going to love it."

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