25/08/2005
NEWS STORY
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A1 Team Australia has completed the first day of the 2.5 day Paul Ricard A1 Grand Prix test, with Will Davison and Will Power piloting the car. Davison set the fastest time for the team with Power fifth fastest in the first session.
Davison's best time of 1:25.692 was a tick over a second behind the fastest time set by A1 Team USA's Scott Speed. For A1 Team Australia, day one was more about development than setting a quick time - the team concentrated on full-tank runs as they did earlier in the month at Silverstone.
With such little time available for the A1 Grand Prix teams to arrive at a setup ahead of the first event at Brands Hatch in September, Motorsport Manager, Mick Webb chose to utilise Power – who was enjoying his first drive of an A1 Grand Prix car – and Davison in the first day to continue the engineering process on the green and gold racer – Christian Jones and Peter Hackett will test with the team tomorrow.
With the A1 Team Australia car being unveiled for the first time in the green and gold – resplendent with the Southern Cross on the engine cowling – it was a significant moment for the team and A1 Team Australia Seat Holder, Alan Jones.
"To see the car go onto the track in the National Sporting colours was a very proud moment for me and the team," said the 1980 World Formula 1 Champion. "The car looks fantastic on track and I think all Australians will be justifiably proud when they see the green and gold going around."
Both Davison and Power concurred that driving as part of a national team felt different. "The car looks great and it was a privilege to drive out in the national sporting colours," said Power.
Davison agreed. "I was very proud to drive out there in a green and gold car," he said. "To see all the nations here on track and for me to have the opportunity to represent my country is something very special."
Tomorrow (Thursday) will be more of the same for the team, with Jones and Hackett making their first appearances at Paul Ricard in addition to the "Two Wills".
One thing that left all on hand impressed once again was the outstanding reliability of the A1 Grand Prix cars, continuing the trend from Silverstone.
"The cars have once again proven their reliability, it is virtually unheard of to have so many brand new cars on track and not have a problem," said Alan Jones. "It is an absolute credit to A1 Grand Prix and their team of staff. From our perspective we're very happy with the performance of the Two Wills and their feedback to the engineering team was impressive."
Alan Jones: "To see the car go on track in the National Sporting colours was an extremely proud moment for me and the team. We're very happy with the performance of the Two Wills and their feedback to the engineering team was impressive. Once again the cars have proven their reliability and is a true credit to A1 Grand Prix and their team of staff. We are concentrating on developing the car every step along the way and today again sent it out with full tanks. We have a plan for further development for day two and are looking forward to improving the car even more."
Will Davison: "The car was everything I expected and to be back behind the wheel of an open-wheeler was a great feeling. Our times were improving throughout the session and we were still able to develop the handling and performance of the car. I'm very proud to have the opportunity to represent Australia and to see all the A1 cars in their national colours is something very special. This is going to be one of the most competitive series in world motorsport with the calibre of driver that will be representing their respective countries. I can't wait for the series opener at Brands Hatch!"
Will Power: "It was great to have my first run in the A1 Team Australia car and we've had an intensive day, starting the development of the car from the first session. To be second fastest at one point and fifth fastest in the first session was extremely encouraging. It really shows that A1 Team Australia has the potential to develop into one of the fastest teams out there. The car looks great and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to represent my country in The World Cup of Motorsport."