Former F1 driver, Robert Doornbos, will get his first chance to race for the Netherlands in Chengdu as the team’s two lead drivers alternate race weekends throughout the season. Doornbos moved into Formula 1, first as a test driver at Jordan and later at Minardi, via Formula 3 and F3000. After F1 Doornbos moved to the US and competed in the Champ Car World Series with Minardi Team USA. The 27-year old driver from Rotterdam, then moved to the USA to compete in Champ Car World Series.
“I’m really looking forward to making my debut for A1 Team Netherlands and representing my country for the first time,” he 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.”
Marco Andretti will take over the driver duties from Charlie Kimball for the US team in Chengdu. The 21-year-old, from the Andretti racing dynasty who is the son of Michael and grandson of Mario, has competed in the IndyCar series this year as well as making three starts in the American Le Mans Series at Sebring, Lime Rock Park and Road Atlanta.
“Getting to race in China is something I’m really looking forward to,” said Andretti. “Although the A1GP programme is new to Andretti Green, I thought the crew did a great job with the first race. They had to put in a lot of effort just to get on track and they were able to get the car up to speed rather quickly. I know there is a possibility that the weather could add another element to the race, and that should only make the race more challenging for the drivers and more entertaining for the fans.”
Earl Bamber put in a stunning drive for New Zealand on his race debut claiming two podiums in the Netherlands and Chris van der Drift will be hoping to keep the good run of form going this weekend. “I’ve been looking on the internet at some videos of the track,” said van der Drift. “It looks pretty tight and twisty in places! Driving the GP2 car has been good preparation for the weekend. The cars are similar in style, they’re both big cars.”
Joint championship leaders France and Malaysia also head to China, hopeful of keeping their position at the top of the championship. Fauzy says of returning to the cockpit after his first round success, “We had the best start we could have hoped for in Zandvoort and now we need to show consistency. I’m pleased that Aaron (Lim), who is driving in the rookie sessions, will be assisting the team with his feedback and early weekend experience of running at the track. We have a very strong team and will be aiming for more success next weekend.”
France is yet to decide upon its driver for Chengdu, but rookie Nicolas Prost was in action at Silverstone last week and commented: “I would be really proud to race for my country. It’s a lot of pressure as you know people must believe in you so you have to deliver something good. It would also be my first race in the championship so I would just try as hard as I could not put too much extra pressure on myself.”
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