11/03/2008
NEWS STORY
Willi Weber's A1 Team Germany is the title defender in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport – or better said, it still is. With three events in the 2007/2008 season to go, the title fight will enter its crucial phase on the next race weekend in Mexico, staged from 14 to 16 March. Although ranking in fifth place of the standings the German team still has a mathematical possibility to clinch the title, the chances in reality are nearly nil.
"We're still the champion team," states Willi Weber. "But we're aware of the fact that we won't be bearing this title much longer. After claiming two victories so far this season, we definitely still had chances of winning the title. Unfortunately, we were deprived of them by the circumstances at Durban, which were the subject of much discussion and even more writing. Consequently, from now on, we're primarily shooting for good individual results. No doubt, all the teams as well as the spectators are looking forward to two thrilling races but primarily to the prospect of the results being determined again to a greater extent by decisions on rather than off the track."
In fifth place of the standings, the German team is ranking 41 points behind the front runner. The best team can score up to 32 points per race weekend.
A weakness in Qualifying cost the team and driver a better starting position at the previous round. "It was frustrating not being able to apply the good results we achieved in the Free Practice sessions at Durban in Qualifying and that in the end we retired from the race due to an accident in the commotion of the starting phase," says Michael Ammermüller, looking back on the event. The 22-year-old junior driver from Pocking will be competing for A1 Team Germany for the fifth time this season. "We want to try and deliver a more consistent performance throughout the weekend in Mexico."
The "Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez" made its début as a venue for a race of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport last year. The 4.42-kilometre circuit has two special characteristics: the bumpy track surface and strenuous altitude of 2,285 metres above sea level make the conditions significantly more difficult for all the teams. The notorious Peraltada turn, which has no run-off zones on the outside and is limited by a concrete wall, has been modified. A chicane at the entrance to the corner reduces speed and, as a braking zone, should open up further opportunities for overtaking.