30/01/2008
NEWS STORY
Extending a narrow championship lead is the chief focus for New Zealand driver Jonny Reid (right) at this weekend's 6th Round of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport in Sydney.
A stellar home performance 10 days ago shot New Zealand to the top of the standings in the 10-round series, but Reid appreciates the two-point lead over Switzerland and France is paper thin.
"We were surprised to put our noses in front, but two points is nothing," Reid said. "The Swiss led by 19 going into Taupo, so we need to be a pace-setter in Sydney and strive to extend our advantage."
Reid is adamant the euphoria of Taupo, where he piloted Black Beauty to a Sprint Race win and backed up with a gutsy drive for 4th in the Feature Race, is already a distant memory. He says he's also recovered from the fatigue. "Physically, Taupo is one of the toughest races for all the drivers," Reid said. "There are just so many corners that you don't get a rest. It was a busy, busy weekend for me, with all the commitments a home race brings. And it was hard work just controlling emotions until after the event.
"It's a difficult scenario when you've just won the Sprint Race and you want to jump around and celebrate but you have to put a lid on your feelings and get on with the job. It was a mega round and I'm very satisfied with what we achieved at home. But it has been and gone, I'm looking forward to the next one and I'm glad it will be a bit more laidback in Sydney."
The undulating 3.93km Eastern Creek circuit is one of Reid's favourites – it was even the scene of a Formula Holden race win from pole in 2003 – but he appreciates that his "local knowledge" is becoming less of an advantage. "This is the third year of A1GP at Eastern Creek so the teams are well and truly up to speed with the track. It will be competitive, but we know our car is quick and it certainly had the pace for this circuit last season. If we improve on last year's effort I'd be ecstatic."
New Zealand was second to Germany in both Sydney races last season, but Reid looks back on the Feature Race as an opportunity missed as a minor mishap in the pits handed the lead over to the Germans. "As is the case for every race, we have to be perfect as a team. If I can get back into the groove and the team continues the form they've shown in recent rounds, we'll be in a good place."
The New Zealand team didn't use a rookie driver in Sydney last year, but Earl Bamber may fulfill the role this weekend. The Wanganui schoolboy starts his Australian Formula 3 campaign at Eastern Creek this weekend and a decision will be made tomorrow as to whether he jumps in Black Beauty on Friday. Bamber drove in the Rookie Sessions in Malaysia and China pre-Christmas, but vacated the seat for Brendon Hartley at Taupo while he honoured his Toyota Racing Series commitments.