09/10/2005
NEWS STORY
A1 Team Germany collected seven points in its home race at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz after finishing in fifth and tenth positions in the new A1 Grand Prix series’ two races. As a result, the team, managed by Willi Weber, improved six positions to tenth in the field of 24 nations. On a high-spirited motorsport weekend in the Lausitz, in front of 51,000 spectators, an unfortunate pit-stop thwarted a possible top finish for the team.
After A1 Team Germany had qualified, with Timo Scheider at the wheel of the powerful 520 hp A1 Grand Prix racer, on the third row with fifth fastest time, the national team to the chequered flag in fifth place after the 18 lap sprint race. Fourth fastest race lap underlined the excellent race pace.
After the standing start to the 35 lap main race, Timo Scheider snatched fourth place on the second lap. Following A1 Team Brazil’s early pit-stop, he ran in third place for six laps. However, A1 Team Germany lost 15 positions during the mandatory tyre change when the rear-right wheel nut could not be loosened. The ensuing fight back ended in tenth position for A1 Team Germany after a breath taking duel with the Portuguese team.
Timo Scheider: "When compared with the opening race of the season in Great Britain, A1 Team Germany demonstrated with fifth position that it is on the up and up in qualifying and in the sprint race. The main race also started off very well, since we were among the fastest four teams who pulled easily away from the pack. That"s why I"m bitterly disappointed that the team was deprived of a good result because of the pit-stop."
Willi Weber: "The basic upward trend is obviously a positive signal. Tenth position in the main race is however disappointing particularly as A1 Team Germany had planned to finish at the sharp end in its home race. During the opening stages of the race this was more than possible. Unfortunately a problem with a wheel nut put paid to any chances."
To check out our EuroSpeedway picture gallery, click here