16/01/2007
NEWS STORY
Willi Weber's A1 Team Germany starts 2007 with a new driver concept. After five of the twelve A1 Grand Prix Series races, which the successful Stuttgart based motorsport manager's team leads by twelve points, the squad appears with a second driver: regular driver Nico Hülkenberg from Emmerich receives support from Christian Vietoris from Gönnersdorf.
"Nico has driven a faultless season to this point, and has demonstrated what he can do by scoring two wins together with David Sears' race team", explains Willi Weber. "There are three reasons why we aim to provide the best possible support for him: Firstly, because of his depth of experience the regulations prohibit his participation in the Rookie Session on Friday. Christian will now assume this role. Secondly, a reserve driver is now always on hand just in case of emergency. And thirdly, Nico will have a busy racing schedule during the 2007 season. So, it is possible that Christian will also race."
The 17-year old Christian Vietoris will taste his first A1 Grand Prix Series race weekend from 19 to 21 January in Taupo, New Zealand where the sixth race of the season is held. "I checked out the circuit on the internet and spoke to somebody about the quirks of an A1 Grand Prix car", explains the "star of tomorrow" from the Eifel. He is, as reigning 2006 Formula BMW Germany Champion, successor to Nico Hülkenberg, who won Germany's most important formula newcomer series in 2005.
Nico Hülkenberg looks forward to his team mate's support – and to the end of the winter break. "I've never competed in a race series over the winter, which is why it's a fantastic feeling to start the New Year as championship leader, but I can't wait any longer and want to get behind the wheel again", says the 19-year old Rheinlander excitedly. "It goes without saying that we want to defend our lead."