27/08/2005
NEWS STORY
A1 Team Australia rounded out the vital third day of testing at the Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track with Will Power setting the team's best time from the three days – a 1:25.312 which placed the Aussies seventh overall.
The times of all 20 teams on hand testing were again incredibly close – the majority of teams within two seconds of one another – setting up for an enthralling series that will begin at Brands Hatch on September 23-25, Australia getting it's taste of A1 action when A1 Grand Prix visits Sydney's Eastern Creek, November 4-6.
The three-day test in the South of France provided the team with significant data on the car, according to Seat Holder, 1980 World Formula One Champion, Alan Jones. "We've had a really solid three days of testing and come away with some excellent data," Jones said. "All four drivers who tested the car here gave some exceptional feedback to our engineers and we've gone forward in every session."
Power, who had his first drive of an A1 Grand Prix car on Wednesday, was also left impressed by the car – which utilises a control Lola chassis, Zytek engine and Cooper tyres. "The car I found to be incredibly responsive. It was a load of fun to drive and I think once we get out there and begin racing, it will be very interesting," he said.
Christian Jones, who also tested today, is fired up about the series. "Putting the A1 Grand Prix concept aside for a moment, the closeness between all the teams will ensure that this series will be a ‘must watch' for people right around the world."
Returning from France across the weekend, A1 Team Australia's attention now turns to next week where a major announcement surrounding the A1 Grand Prix of Nations at Eastern Creek will be made in Sydney and it is anticipated Jones will take the opportunity to announce the core of Australia's team for the inaugural A1 Grand Prix series.
Attention will then turn to preparations for Brands Hatch.
Alan Jones – A1 Team Australia Seat Holder: "We've had a really solid three days of testing here, it's been excellent in fact. I'm very happy with how the car has performed and our drivers. All four drivers gave some exceptional feedback to the engineers and I'm confident that by the time Brands Hatch is finished, we will see some outstanding results from A1 Team Australia. We've gone forward in every session we've been in here at Paul Ricard and I must say, Brands Hatch cannot come around quick enough – I'm quietly confident of what we can achieve there."
Will Power: "The last three days have been quite phenomenal. I found the A1 Grand Prix car to be incredibly responsive. It was a load of fun to drive and I think once we get everyone out on the track in anger, it will be very interesting. I've got no doubt this will be one of the closest series in world motorsport and will be incredibly exciting, not just for motorsport nuts, but people right around the world due to the concept Sheikh Maktoum has come up with."
Christian Jones: "I'm impressed by what we have achieved here. The car has been excellent and Will's time this morning was outstanding and all the teams are yet again within a small margin of one another. Putting the A1 Grand Prix concept of nation against nation aside for a moment, the closeness between all the teams will ensure that this series will be a must watch for people right around the world, I'm pumped for it!"
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