09/09/2005
NEWS STORY
It was officially announced today that Christian Jones and Will Power will represent Australia in the first ever A1 Grand Prix of Nations event at Brands Hatch on September 25.
In making the announcement, team principal Alan Jones praised both for their efforts in recent A1 Grand Prix testing, which led to them receiving the call up to wear the green and gold for the first time in world motorsport.
"Will and Christian's results from testing and the feedback from our engineers has led us to choosing them to represent Australia at Brands Hatch," the 1980 World Formula One Champion said.
"After testing, I'm very confident of our chances of recording a solid result in the first round. I think we can find a bit in the car, our drivers will be much more comfortable behind the wheel, so it all bodes very well."
A decision has not been made as to who will drive in the twin A1 Grand Prix races, Jones says this will come once A1 Team Australia's qualifying position has been established. Under A1 Grand Prix rules, a team can switch drivers between the morning's sprint race and the afternoon's longer race.
Jones went on to say that excitement for the first round of the series is building right around the world.
"The excitement and camaraderie among the nations that will be represented at Brands Hatch is fantastic, the traditional rivalries are beginning to show already - which should make for an interesting first corner - and I've got to say, this is the most excited I've been about an international motorsport event for a long time," Jones enthused.
The third driver in A1 Team Australia's core driving line-up, Will Davison, will not be appearing at either of the first two rounds, as A1 team management did not wish to interrupt his preparations for the V8 Supercar endurance events with Dick Johnson Racing, therefore he will join the team in Portugal.
"We didn't think it was fair to interrupt Will or DJR in their preparations for Sandown and Bathurst and we wish both Will and the team the best of luck in those events," Jones said. "We look forward to Will joining A1 Team Australia in Portugal."
Jones concluded by calling on all Australians to get behind the green and gold team as the build up continues towards the A1 Grand Prix of Nations in Australia at Eastern Creek over November 4-6, the fourth round of 12 in the inaugural series.
"This is the first chance ever that Australians have had the opportunity to support their own country in a global motorsport event. Australians are great sports lovers and love to support our nation - I don't believe A1 Grand Prix will be any different to any other sport where Australia is represented as a team. I urge all Aussies to get behind A1 Team Australia at Brands Hatch and cheer our boys home."