25/02/2006
NEWS STORY
A1 Teams France and New Zealand led the way in the opening two practice sessions for the ninth round of the World Cup of Motorsport, both recording consistently fast lap times.
As the drivers struggled to get to grips with the wet conditions on a track new to all but four teams, several cars spun off the track but most managed to get back on and continue the session. The white car of A1 Team Japan was the only to suffer damage when driver, Hayanari Shimoda slid off in the first session hitting a tyre wall, an accident that put the team out of the second session.
Finishing the day at the top of the time sheets, A1 Team New Zealand's Matt Halliday said: 'We had a really good day, we were fastest in the first and second sessions, and we managed to put together a really good set up. We have been progressing really well in the last two races and I think we have a good chance of ending the season on a high note. I'm feeling pretty confident for tomorrow.'
Second place man Alexandre Premat for A1 Team France said: 'The track is ok, it is slippery in places. We had a good day and I think we will do well tomorrow in qualifying.'
After setting the third fastest time, A1 Team Germany driver Timo Scheider said: 'We made a few changes to the car today which worked well. I didn't walk around the track beforehand like some of the drivers did, which made it a bit more difficult. It is a strange track as it is slippery in places and there is quite a lot of grip in others. I think we will have an interesting race and there will be opportunity for overtaking.'
Local hero, David Martinez, born and raised in Monterrey, is hopeful for a good result this weekend despite struggling in the wet conditions. 'It was harder than I thought, I was quick on the first sector but couldn't find the speed in the second and third sectors. When it gets a bit dryer I will feel more confident.'