06/10/2005
NEWS STORY
New Zealand driver Jonny Reid says he is not feeling the weight of expectation ahead of the second round of the A1 Grand Prix series in Lausitz, Germany this weekend.
Still only 21, Reid has impressed in pre-season testing in England and France, but admits he will have to be at his very best to emulate Matt Halliday's success in the inaugural round in England a fortnight ago.
Halliday drove the New Zealand team to a third and a fourth in the points-scoring races at Brand's Hatch, despite stalling on the start line in the Feature Race.
"It was frustrating watching Matt in the driver's seat when I was so amped to be out there," Reid said. "But this is the World Cup of Motorsport, we're representing New Zealand and we have to be team players.
"We were rapt to earn 15 points and be third on the table after the first round and it's up to me to maintain the momentum and bring home as many points as possible.
"It's a daunting prospect, but it's not something I'm getting myself worked up about. I'm sure the car will be set up well and if I drive to my potential and we have a bit of luck in staying out of trouble we'll be among the frontrunners."
Reid suspects competition will be particularly fierce on the EuroSpeedway track given the USA and the Netherlands are among a clutch of highly favoured nations with a point to prove after disappointing first-up performances.
"The Americans were caning everyone in testing in France and on the first day of practice in Round One," Reid said. "They'll want to make up for lost ground and the Netherlands and Great Britain won't want to bow out like they did at Brand's Hatch.
"It will make for an incredibly competitive meeting this weekend, but that's what the A1 is all about – a level playing field and a whole lot of pride in performing well for your country."
Reid is welcoming the input of 2003 IRL champion Scott Dixon, who is in Germany as a guest of the New Zealand team.
"I'll be catching up with Scott tomorrow during practice and hope to pick his brain about preparing for big events and actual racing strategies.
"It's cool that he's taking the time to be part of our team and I'm keen to make the most of his presence."
Reid took a great deal of confidence out of testing the Black Beauty in France in late August, but he has only had one rain-affected practice in the car since. He took a leisurely drive around the uber-impressive EuroSpeedway track today and is hoping the mild temperatures and clear skies will be prevalent throughout the weekend.
With three Official Practice sessions tomorrow and Saturday, plus four quick-fire Qualifying Segments on Saturday afternoon, he is confident he will be well and truly reacquainted with the car and familiar enough with the track in time for Sunday's key races.
The Sprint Race, from a rolling start, lasts 15 to 20 minutes and determines the final grid positions for the 40 to 60 minute Feature Race. Both races carry equal points, ten for winning, nine for second, eight for third and so on, but only the Feature Race offers prize money, $US1,000,000 in total.
Brazil tops the championship table on 21 points, five points ahead of Australia, with New Zealand a further point back in third place.