02/05/2007
NEWS STORY
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A1 Team Ireland may have endured a frustrating season in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport but the team scooped two of the 15 awards at last night's A1GP Gala dinner held in London's Royal Courts of Justice. In front of Guest of Honour Michael Schumacher, the seven times Formula One World Champion whose German team won this season's World Cup of Motorsport, Team Ireland's bosses Mark Kershaw and Mark Gallagher received the awards for 'Best Presented Team' and 'Most Appealing A1 Team Livery'.
A1 Team Ireland's stunning green grand prix racer had its graphics designed by Ian Hutchinson, the man responsible for the livery of Michael Schumacher's Jordan in 1991 and also the German ace's World Championship winning Benettons in 1994 and 1995. The attention to detail and team presentation was executed superbly by Team Manager Dave O'Neill, originally from Tralee, making Team Ireland the benchmark for the 23 countries competing in the 2006/2007 World Cup of Motorsport. Overall team presentation and marketing was handled by Eden Rock Sports Management.
"When we came into A1GP we wanted to be the most professionally turned out team and we have achieved that," said Team Owner Mark Kershaw. "The team has always been extremely well presented and the car looks superb. Sky Sports commentator John Watson has often told us that our car is the most photogenic and TV-friendly, being not only terrific looking but also easy to identify. To have won both the awards reflecting professional presentation is very satisfying."
This is the second year in succession that Team Ireland has won the 'Best Presented Team' award, and adding the award for the best livery was especially pleasing to Team Principal Mark Gallagher.
"I worked at Jordan in 1991 when Ian Hutchinson designed the famous green livery on the car in which Michael Schumacher made his debut, and Ian's design work with Benetton and Renault in F1 has underlined his ability to develop a striking looking machine. We have also benefited from having a terrific team maintaining equipment and car throughout the season. Having made our mark in terms of presentation and professionalism, we aim to return to these awards next year to claim honours for our successes on the track."