A1 Team Great Britain is proud to announce today that it will be handing 2006 McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year, Oliver Turvey, the chance to strap in behind the wheel of its 550bhp A1GP car next Wednesday, 14th March, at the Brands Hatch Circuit in Kent.
Turvey’s first taste of A1GP power takes place as Brands Hatch hosts its annual media day to showcase the world-class schedule of events it has lined up for 2007, including the season finale of the 2006-07 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, Friday 27th – Sunday 29th April, on the 2.3-mile Grand Prix Circuit.
With five wins, ten podium finishes and seven pole positions in last season’s Formula BMW UK Championship, where he clinched second overall despite missing the first six races, Turvey’s performances earmarked himself as ‘one to watch’ with A1 Team Great Britain delighted to give the 19-year-old from Cumbria the opportunity to showcase his potential in an A1GP car.
Wednesday morning’s demonstration laps on the 1.2-mile Indy Circuit at Brands Hatch, with Robbie Kerr running later in the day, will give the former Karting Champion a feel for the A1GP car ahead of a possible role as a ‘rookie’ driver for the British team, a task currently undertaken superbly by 2005 McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year recipient, Cambridgeshire’s Oliver Jarvis.
“We’re delighted to give Oliver (Turvey) a brief run in A1GP next Wednesday, †stated A1 Team Great Britain Team Principal John Surtees. “Oliver has proved himself magnificently both on and off track with some terrific performances in last season’s Formula BMW Championship combined with his studies at Cambridge University. For sure if he’d had the budget to compete from the start of last season’s championship I’m sure he’d have challenged for the title. â€
Surtees continued, “A1GP offers a unique platform for young drivers to prove themselves on the international stage with each driver’s individual ability, rather than the depth of their pockets, being the defining factor. Oliver deserves an opportunity to continue to develop as an emerging talent and I’m delighted that we can give him a chance to get acquainted with the team next week at Brands Hatch with a view to his participation in an A1GP ‘Rookie’ session very soon. â€
‘I’m really excited to join A1 Team Great Britain next week, †Turvey commented. “I need opportunities like this to drive fast, powerful race cars and from what I’ve seen of the A1GP car, it’s certainly that as well as a lot of fun to drive. I’m hoping a relationship with A1 Team Great Britain will be good for my career and I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend some time with them at Brands Hatch next week. â€
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