05/11/2008
NEWS STORY
On the Chinese Chengdu circuit, which is completely new for all the teams, two drivers will make their debut for A1 Team Netherlands this weekend. The second round of the A1GP 2008/2009 season will mean the official debut of Robert Doornbos for the team, he takes over from Jeroen Bleekemolen who drove for A1 Team Netherlands during the opening round at Zandvoort.
The Rookie driver will also make his debut for A1 Team Netherlands. Dennis Retera will be the first one out on track during the two Rookie sessions on Friday morning in order to collect valuable data for the rest of the weekend and work on a good set up of the car.
22-year old Retera has driven in both Formula Series as well as GT's in the last few years. He competed in Formula Ford for several seasons, taking the Dutch and Benelux title in First Division in 2004 and securing both titles again a year later in the A-division. In 2005 he also finished third in the Formula Ford World Championships. Also, Dennis competed in the North European Championship Formula Renault 2.0 and drove several races in the FIA GT Championship.
Now the new A1 Team Netherlands Rooke will taste the 600 bhp A1GP Powered by Ferrari car for the first time at the Chengdu International Circuit. Doornbos got a chance to briefly try the car during the test at Snetterton in September.
Both Retera and Doornbos are looking forward to making their official debut for the Netherlands in A1GP World Cup of Motorsport.
"I'm really looking forward to making my debut for A1GP Team Netherlands and representing my country for the first time," Doornbos commented. "It's a new experience for me to be representing my country in this successful A1GP series. I have never seen the circuit in Chengdu and have only tested the A1GP Powered by Ferrari car for 20-laps."
"My first A1GP weekend. Two weeks ago I hear that I was going to do the Rookie test for the Netherlands and a day later I was in England for a seat fitting. It did come as a bit of a surprise, but I am very happy with this chance. This Friday I will be able to drive the car for the first time, I will have to get used to it, never before did I drive such a powerful car and the track is also new to me. I cannot wait for it! I think I will gain valuable experience with this test and also hope that I can help the team with a good base set up for Robert who will drive the races this weekend," said Retera.