Nicolas: In the points!

A1 Team France today raced in the sixth round of the 2008-09 World Cup of Motorsport Championship on the Algarve International Autodrome in Portugal.

After a difficult qualifying session the chances of scoring points looked dim. Nonetheless, the team tackled the 2 races with its usual determination. This approach paid off and after finishing in 13th place in the short race Nicolas Prost came home sixth in the Feature event. The French driver managed to avoid the numerous crashes and race incidents climbing back up through the field from nineteenth on the grid.

A1 Team France added an extra 5 points to its tally this week-end. With a total of 46, it is currently lying fifth in the overall classification, and hopes to add to its score in the next round at Brands Hatch (Great Britain) on 3rd May.

Olivier Panis, Sporting Director: «Yesterday evening, we thought it would be really difficult to add points to our score. Bu we also knew that the A1GP races are very hotly contested and that consistency pays off. By adopting a steady rhythm and avoiding all the on-track incidents Nicolas fought his way up the time sheets. The team had the right strategy and with perfectly carried out tyre changes contributed to this final result, which does a lot for our morale. Hats off to everybody!»

Nicolas Prost: «The car was a lot quicker today even if its braking wasn’t perfect. In the short race, it was impossible to score points given the limited number of laps. However, in the Feature event it was possible to pass and take advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves. Five points isn’t a lot but it’s a small reward for the team after a difficult weekend. Things will be better at Brands Hatch!»

Official press release of A1 Team France

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