14/01/2007
NEWS STORY
The Taupo circuit in New Zealand will play host to Round 6 of the 2007 A1GP season, this weekend with France's rookie Loic Duval (right) at the wheel for A1 Team France. The team is now in fourth place with 32 points in the classification, behind leaders Germany on 48 points, Great Britain (36 points) and Mexico (34 points).
Loic Duval says: "The last Grand Prix in Sentul feels like so long ago. I had the chance to recharge my batteries after signing for the Nakajima Formula Nippon GT at the end of last season. Then I went skiing in France in the French Alps to train. I'm fit and in great shape for this weekend. I'm really excited to go to New Zealand for the first time and the brand new circuit facilities at the renovated track will be great. The car was good in Sentul with team-mate Nicolas Lapierre finishing on the podium. I'm confident for the weekend ahead."
Eric Boullier, Managing Director, A1 Team France: "With Jean-Paul Driot, Team Principal we have decided to give young French stars from the FFSA their chance to drive: Nicolas Lapierre and Loic Duval. We won the first A1GP World Cup of Motorsport as Nicolas Lapierre was one of our drivers. This time, Loic Duval will have the chance to defend his country's colours while Nicolas Lapierre is busy in an intensive training camp, preparing for the 2007 GP 2 series. The team will benefit from maximum running time on track as Loic will drive in the rookie session and both races. It is quite important to record and study the maximum data on
a new track to make up for the experience we have not had on brand new track."