27/08/2004
NEWS STORY
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The A1 Grand Prix car has completed the first part of an intensive test programme and has now clocked up over 2,000 kilometres in varying conditions in both the UK and Spain.
At the conclusion of this week's hot weather test at the Jerez circuit Technical Operations Advisor, John Wickham, echoed the thoughts of the 24 strong test team when he said: "This has been a very positive test. The car has proved both quick and reliable." The conditions were ideal with temperatures in the low forties.
Sharing the test driving were General Manager, Stephen Watson, and new recruit and former Formula 1 driver, Ralph Firman. Stephen, who had previously driven the car at Snetterton, commented: "We have achieved exactly what we set out to here. The entire focus of the test was to see how the whole package would perform in high ambient temperatures and dusty conditions."
Ralph, who drove the car for the first time on Wednesday, was delighted with what he experienced from the A1 Grand Prix car. "The car gives you great confidence. It is wonderful to be back behind the wheel of a powerful single seater again."
At Jerez, where the total distance covered was 1,298 kilometres, Stephen commented: "We have been able to lap quicker than the F3000 times (set in November and February) in significantly warmer conditions. I am very pleased with the results to date."