31/01/2007
NEWS STORY
A1 Team Pakistan will continue its campaign in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport this weekend, at the Eastern Creek circuit in Australia. Nur Ali will make his seventh appearance for his country, racing for the first time at the challenging circuit on the outskirts of Sydney.
The Eastern Creek circuit is yet another demanding track on the A1GP calendar. The track is tight and twisting, with changes in gradient which make it similar to the Brands Hatch circuit in the UK, where A1GP will race later in the season.
While many of the A1GP drivers and teams have experience of the track from last year's race, Eastern Creek will be another learning curve for Ali and his team. "Unlike Taupo, most teams in the paddock have data and information from last year's race here, whereas it will all be a new experience for us. I've spoken to one of the Australia drivers who said it's a great circuit, but very narrow. I'm looking forward to working with the team to maximise our opportunities and make some improvements".
With over half of the season completed, Ali is positive about the team's chances for the remaining five races. "It's been a very hectic and eventful season so far but we are hoping to build on all these experiences and improve on the progress we have been making. We aim to score some points by the end of the season."
Of the six racetracks A1GP has visited so far this season, Ali finds it difficult to name just one favourite, "I think I have two favourites really. Sentul in Indonesia was great because we had a good Feature race result there, finishing 15th . But I think my favourite circuit would have to be Taupo. I hope the New Zealand race will stay on the A1GP calendar for the foreseeable future. The venue was great, the fans were enthusiastic and Lake Taupo itself was really beautiful."
While many of the teams and drivers chose to stay out in New Zealand or Australia during the break between the A1GP events, Ali returned to his birthplace in Karachi, Pakistan. "I went back home to Pakistan during the break. As well as catching up with family, I was promoting A1 Team Pakistan and motorsport in general, which still gets little publicity over there.
"This will be my first visit to Australia, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the country for the first time. I'm planning on spending a couple of days in Sydney after the race to enjoy the beauty and culture and see what the country has to offer."