17/11/2007
NEWS STORY
A Wanganui schoolboy will become the 8th driver of Black Beauty during Round 3 of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport in Malaysia.
Earl Bamber, 17, has been selected to drive in the two 25-minute Rookie Sessions at Sepang next Friday before Jonny Reid assumes the steering wheel for the rest of the weekend. New to the A1 Junior Development team in the Toyota Racing Series this season, Bamber has extensive experience of the Sepang circuit, having clocked up 1500 laps in competition, testing and driving coaching. The 2006 Formula BMW Asia champion, the first driver to win the series in his rookie season, Bamber has tested at Sepang for BMW and in a Formula V6 Renault.
"It's a difficult track, tricky to get used to, not least because it's five kilometres long," Bamber said. "It's a big help that I've completed so many laps there, but having the experience around the circuit is one thing, driving an A1 car is another. It's going to be a pretty big step up."
It was only 10 months ago that Bamber wandered through the pits at the inaugural A1GP Taupo as a spectator, admiring the New Zealand team and the all-black car.
"It's strange to go from keen observer to active participant," Bamber said. "Having the chance to work with Jonny Reid and David Sears of SuperNova (the team's engineering and race crew provider) is unreal. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but in some way I'd like to help contribute to Jonny's two race wins and I'll be working hard to achieve that."
Foundation driver Reid, who has led New Zealand to the top of the A1GP standings after two rounds, is thrilled Bamber has been given the opportunity.
"It always helps having a Rookie as part of the team," Reid said. "It'll be a steep learning curve for Earl, but great for Black Beauty to have a gallop and ensure everything's running smoothly."
A1 Team.NZL spokesman Bob McMurray says Brendon Hartley, who was part of the team's pre-season testing, had been earmarked for the rookie drive in Malaysia, but Bamber's local knowledge makes him the perfect fit for next weekend.
"His vast experience of the Sepang track may well prove invaluable in the initial set-up of the car," McMurray said. "We're also pleased to add to our stable of drivers, investing in the future while giving Earl experience that will help his career."
Black Beauty's eight drivers across the three seasons of A1GP are Matt Halliday, Jonny Reid, Scott Dixon, Wade Cunningham, Chris van der Drift, Daniel Gaunt, Brendon Hartley and Earl Bamber.