05/10/2005
NEWS STORY
New Zealand driver Jonny Reid will have some heavyweight support at the second round of the A1 Grand Prix World Cup of Motorsport in Germany this weekend.
2003 NZ IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon will be on hand as a guest of the New Zealand team, but A1 Team New Zealand chief executive Bob McMurray says the Indianapolis-based Dixon will not be driving.
"Scott's interested in the Series and is a very proud New Zealander," McMurray said. "He is keen to be involved in our championship bid and we're delighted he's made the time to check out our operations and collaborate with Jonny in Lausitz."
McMurray said Dixon could be an option for a drive in the United States later in the Series, but the immediate focus was on ensuring Reid had as much time in the driver's seat as possible.
The 21-year-old Reid has been prominent in testing the Black Beauty at the Silverstone and Paul Ricard circuits in recent months, but only had one rain-affected session behind the wheel ahead of the first round at Brand's Hatch late last month.
"Matt Halliday drove in the first round because of his Bathurst commitment this weekend and, as we'd always planned, it's now Jonny's time to show what a fine young driver he is."
New Zealand is third on the championship table with 15 points, just one point behind Australia and six points adrift of the top ranking Brazilian team.
McMurray says consistency of scoring is what will win the championship, but the New Zealand focus is definitely on winning every race.
"We have to aim to win every time we head out on the track. It is going to be tough to top the results we experienced at Brand's Hatch, but we'll be giving it a decent shake."