01/10/2008
NEWS STORY
The long summer of waiting is nearly over for A1 Team Lebanon, with the new season of A1GP World Cup of Motorsport Powered by Ferrari set for this weekend in Zandvoort, Netherlands. The team will debut Canadian-Lebanese Daniel Morad (18) as he takes on the role of representing the nation this season, with South African-Lebanese driver, Jimmy Auby, returning to the team as reserve driver.
This season A1GP is introducing a new car, with the A1GP Powered by Ferrari car, an all-new racer based on the successful Ferrari F2004. A1 Team Lebanon is complementing the new car with a revised livery, which maintains the close ties to the national flag, but also showcases a strong line up of commercial sponsors who have partnered with the team for the new season.
Speaking about lining up for his first race for A1 Team Lebanon, Morad says, "It is an honour to be called up to race for Lebanon and I am really looking forward to the race this weekend at Zandvoort. We're in a similar situation to many of the teams, only receiving our new car very recently, so the first chance I'll have to drive it will be just a couple of days before the race weekend. I have met with the team and had a seat fit, so the next step is a shakedown at Snetterton racetrack in the UK. Hopefully that will all go smoothly, and then we can start set up work for the race weekend. Although it is not ideal to be doing our first test so close to the races it will mean that everything will be very fresh in my mind and we should be able to move venues and continue the development work at Zandvoort in the practice sessions."
Reserve driver Auby will travel with the team to Snetterton and Zandvoort, and will be a keen observer. He says, "I'll be interested to see the new A1 Team Lebanon car out on track. It should be a very exciting package with the new design and Ferrari engine; I think it will take A1GP to another level. I drove the original A1GP model and really enjoyed its power and handling, and I hope I will have an opportunity to drive this new one too. In the meantime I'm pleased to have been called up as reserve driver, and alongside this I'll continue my Spanish F3 campaign which is proving to be an excellent learning experience for me. "
A1 Team Lebanon Team Manager Luke Craft adds, "The new car has certainly raised the bar, putting more emphasis on the technical skills required by the teams and giving the drivers a new challenge. Although A1GP's schedule for completing the car build slipped and there will be a few nations that won't be represented in Zandvoort, the series has certainly made another step up and we're set for an exciting season.
"As a team we've spent the majority of the off season restructuring and focusing on putting together a top level package of operational, commercial and driving talent to put us in the best possible position for success. We move into this season with a fresh approach and renewed vigour to challenge further up the grid. The test at Snetterton will be the first time all the new ingredients have come together, but we are confident that we can build on these foundations and be a competitive team this season."
The team will test at Snetterton on Thursday and Friday this week. Practice and qualifying for A1GP Zandvoort takes place on Saturday 4 October and the two A1GP races will be on Sunday 5 October.