02/05/2008
NEWS STORY
At the A1GP season finale at the Brands Hatch circuit A1 Team Netherlands is getting ready for a final push in order to climb in the Championship. At the same time the end of the season marks the end of an unique era, after three years it is goodbye to the current A1GP car.
At the circuit just outside London A1 Team Netherlands finished just outside the podium last year and finished the season in fifth in the standings.
A1 Team Netherlands will use the spare chassis on the 2.67 mile track, after some damage to the monocoque, a result of the Durban crash, was discovered at the last race. This caused the car to lose stiffness . Together with an engine problem it hampered the car's pace. After replacing both the chassis and the engine A1 Team Netherlands is confident that this problem has been resolved and that Jeroen Bleekemolen will again be able to fight amongst the top runners.
Leading up to this weekend Jeroen Bleekemolen, Arie Luyendyk jr and Jan Lammers were able to climb the podium in various racing series. Jeroen maintained the lead in the Porsche Supercup with a second place finish in Barcelona, Arie finished in third at the Kansas Speedway in the Indy Lights and Jan took a third place in LMP2 at the Le Mans Series at Monza.
Jan Lammers; "Brands Hatch not only is the end of the season, but also marks the end of an unique era. The transition from the original, somewhat eccentric looking A1GP car to the new cars under the banner of 'A1GP Powered by Ferrari' will be a sensational happening for all of us. A1GP, lead by Tony Teixeira and Pete da Silva is clearly not lacking in courage and entrepreneurship. Setting up a Series like this without the support of car manufacturers or multinationals is an unprecedented achievement. Now that the cooperation with Ferrari is a fact it won't take long before the Series sponsors will join this series that is still gaining popularity. We also notice the growing interest in the Netherlands, the recognition and especially the acknowledgement do make our working climate better and better. We hope to give our Dutch fans a nice treat with a good result this weekend!"
Jeroen Bleekemolen; "I am happy that we were allowed to change our car after Shanghai. It clearly was a major problem. I am looking forward to the Brands Hatch race. It always is an awesome event, on a nice track with many A1GP fans. Also it's a chance for us to end the season on a high. The team has had to work very hard to get everything ready and that is why we are all extra motivated to show that all that work has not been in vain. We had hoped to be higher up in the Championship, but that does not mean that we will give it all to claim a good result. It will be the final race for these cars, because the Ferrari's are coming. Something everyone is looking forward to. Often in a final race everyone is pushing a bit more, so I expect a lot of spectacle."
Arie Luyendyk jr: "The season finale at Brands Hatch should be a great event. This season with A1GP has been a great experience and closing out the year at a great track like Brands Hatch is a great treat. I've never driven here but it looks fast and definitely like the circuits I enjoy driving. Since we are arriving with a different chassis I hope the troubles of Shanghai have been resolved, the rookie session should be vital in seeing if the balance has improved. Many drivers have driven here before so it will be important to learn the circuit quickly, I look forward to Friday morning."