Over 100,000 people lined the streets of Durban in South Africa for the sixth round of the A1 Grand Prix of Nations. A1 Team Pakistan, who have been gaining in performance throughout this new series in international motorsport, were dealt a cruel blow when Adam Khan was injured in a crash on this street circuit during the practice sessions on Friday.

Although not badly injured, the high speed, high impact incident warranted a cautionary trip to hospital where a CAT scan revealed no serious or permanent injury. However, with safety being paramount to all concerned the decision was taken that he could not take part in the qualifying sessions or the races on Sunday.

With high hopes from the supporters, drastic measures were required to avoid disappointing the many Pakistani fans who had bought their tickets for this racing spectacular and those who would be awaiting news around the world on how the A1 Team Pakistan car performed against this international field.

Arif Husain, Chairman and Seat Holder of A1 Team Pakistan, said: "Adam's injury was a huge blow to the team and its supporters and having no reserve driver we had to explore every possibility of racing the car. I had to make a balanced judgement taking into account the time, effort and expense involved in getting our Team to Durban and this stage of the series and how running no car could disappoint our growing fans and supporters."

"I approached the organisers of the series and the rest of the Seat Holders (owners) of the teams with the idea of racing the car with another driver, borrowed from the Italian Team. We understood that even if he drove well we would not gain any points or prize money and would have to start from the pit lane. The support was overwhelming and first to show their support was Team India, our closest rivals. All of us behind this series realise that at this stage we must do everything in our power not to disappoint the fans, sponsors and all those who are putting a huge effort into this fledgling series. I hope that our supporters will recognise the difficult choice we had to make under pressure."

A1 Team Italy's reserve driver Enrico Toccacelo quickly threw himself behind the plan and began working with the A1 Team Pakistan engineers and mechanics to try to familiarise himself with the car in the short time available. During the Sprint Race, the first race of the day, Enrico drove maturely and carefully to finish in 11th place – just one second off the fastest lap of the race set by Ireland's Ralf Firman.

The A1 Team Pakistan car had to begin the hour-long Feature Race from the pit lane for the second time in the day. Enrico's experience and careful driving took Team Pakistan into third position as other teams made their pit stops or had to retire. Under instructions from the stewards Team Pakistan brought the car in for its pit stop and, beautifully executed by the Team, a quick stop saw the car rejoin in 14th place. Making his way through the field with ease, the driver for Team Pakistan regained ground, moving up into 11th place before the A1 Team Canada car nudged the car off the track, finishing a highly eventful weekend of racing for all involved.

The Feature Race was won for the first time by A1 Team Netherlands driver Jos Verstappen in a dramatic race for the finish line, followed by the teams from Switzerland and Portugal. Luke Craft, General Manager of A1 Team Pakistan commented: "It has been a turbulent weekend that has shown strength and courage by all involved. Enrico has done a marvellous job and the team excelled. I am sure that all our followers will appreciate that any decision we took regarding a replacement driver ran the risk of upsetting some and disappointing others but I think the majority will back our decision. We owe a vote of thanks to the other teams for their support and our own for working so well in this difficult situation".