A1 Gp

[David Morton]

In an email discussion with Andre, he posed the question "what is your opinion on A1Gp".
Andre, at the moment I don't have one. The jury is still out as far as I'm concerned. I keep in touch with John Wickam (former victorious Bentley Team Manager - LM 2003 along with a whole host of other m/s appointments) and we were discussing putting a Racemet system into A1Gp prior to it's inaugaral races. I have watched a few races on TV but I have not really got into it yet. Does it bring more interesting races to the public who only watch on Tv and who may have turned their back on F1 ?- I've not heard anybody say that - yet. Sure, it's an interesting concept but as I said, the jury is out.
Anybody who has watched any of the A1Gp races want to expand ?

 

[ChrisL]

I enjoy watching the A1GP but don’t yet love it. I think it is still at its early stages and will need to find its niche as far as drivers are concerned. At the moment, the drivers don’t fit any real description. They are not, say, the best drivers in the world or the best drivers in their respective countries or the best young drivers in the world or the next big phenomenon’s or whatever.

The theory is that it will fill the need for an audience that casually enjoys watching race cars, but does not necessarily want the complexities of understanding design concepts. Country of origin replaces the need to know drivers so if you don’t watch it closely, you will still have a “team” to follow. A bit like watching an Olympic event that you don't really understand and supporting a country rather than the individual athlete.

 

[Pete McCluskey.]

I also enjoy watching the A1 Grand Prix, but then I will watch any form of motor sport. The A1 offers close racing and you do end up cheering for your Country. Enjoyable but not F1.
Hope this is not pirating your thread David, but I was channel surfing last night and tuned into the last two laps of an event called The Masters Grand Prix. It was at Kyalami and the two laps I saw were terrific, with Nigel Mansell and Emerson Fittapaldi really having a big go and carving each other up. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banana.gif Nigel won with Emerson second and Ricardo Patrese third. How long has this been going on?

 

[David Morton]

Looks as though the round Laguna may not happen. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[David Morton]

That was confirmed a few minutes ago /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gifand the next round is now Shanghai.
Dave Tick /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/1poke.gif- something quite interesting coming your way. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banana.gif

 

Cancelled for 'operational reasons'. Not sure what that means. The early rumours were that it may be cancelled because excessive rainfall made the Laguna Seca track unsafe. However, after all 50 cars were impounded in South Africa for non-payment of most insurance premiums ($6 million?) last month, before an out-of-court settlement was agreed, as well as other unhappy creditor/supplier rumours plus problems with sponsorship, all does not sound rosy.

It's a real shame but a what price a second season?

 

[David Morton]

Rob,
Apparently the track would not be ready in time ?
Doesn't sound rosy ...Phrophetic or what ?
I think you are probably right.
Dave

 

[David Morton]

TYPO : prophetic

 

[David Morton]

Apparently it's back on.Press release 5th March

Date: 5 March 2006
Press release number: 0060

Embargo date: For immediate release

A1 GRAND PRIX GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO USA RACE

Salinas, CA - Organisers of the A1 Grand Prix series have confirmed the A1 Grand Prix of Nations, California, USA, scheduled to run at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on 10-12 March 2006 will go ahead as planned.

An initial inspection of the track by A1 Grand Prix officials raised concerns over the volume of rain that has fallen over recent weeks, hindering the on-going preparation of the facility for the penultimate round of the World Cup of Motorsport. Following substantial discussions with Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, A1 Grand Prix have been assured that Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca officials will do everything within their control to prepare the track for the A1 Grand Prix of Nations.

'Despite challenges brought on by the prevailing weather conditions, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is confident that the track will be presented to the necessary standard required to host an A1 Grand Prix event,' stated A1GP chief operating officer, David Clare. 'We will now continue to work with the circuit to ensure the US race meets the impeccable standards dictated by A1GP.'