Kerr looks to kick-start the New Year
As the half-way point of the season draws close, the British team heads to the beautiful surroundings of Lake Taupo on New Zealand's North Island still firmly in the title hunt. The New Year also sees the introduction of one of the most important environmental initiatives in the series' history. The Taupo race will mark A1GP becoming the first global motorsport body to switch to a 30 per cent biofuel mix to help reduce its environmental footprint.
A1GP visited the 3.5km circuit for the first time last season but the British squad was blighted with problems and Kerr will be keen to get the team back to winning ways. This season, Kerr's last race appearance was in the Czech Republic where he scored second position in the Sprint Race. With A1 Team GBR currently sitting 4th in the Championship, the Leicestershire racer will draw on his track experience from the 2007 race and look to score some vital points as the team chases current leaders, Switzerland. Circuit alterations since last year have changed Turn 12 from a smooth fourth gear corner to a 90 degree left-hander, creating another overtaking opportunity in a race that is set to provide a thrilling start to 2008.
Great Britain also welcome another new rookie driver as 26-year-old 2007 Formula Renault V6 Champion and Australian F3 racer James Winslow will take part in the hour session in Taupo. Based in Melbourne, James will only have a short journey across the water to join the British team as they arrive in New Zealand next week and will be hoping his talent behind the wheel will help the team get straight on the pace.
Robbie Kerr: "I'm really looking forward to getting back in the A1GP car in Taupo. After the disappointment last year where we suffered front wing damage followed by battery failure, we're going there to make amends and achieve two strong results. It's also fantastic that the bio-fuel is finally in the car and that, through A1GP, racing is getting greener."
James Winslow: "It's a great honor to get the opportunity to join A1 Team GBR, particularly as I've wanted to drive in A1GP ever since the series started. Obviously I'd like to be quickest in the rookie session, but I'll also be there in a supporting role throughout the weekend to assist the team and Robbie in any way I can."
Katie Clements: "Following challenging weekends at the last two rounds, the teams' main focus is to move up the points table from Taupo onwards. Despite the issues faced by the team last season in New Zealand, Robbie was still fast and gave a strong performance, so I'm feeling confident that we will be right in the mix again. I also look forward to supporting our most capped driver as he takes to the race-track using bio-fuel for the first time in the history of A1GP. The team also welcomes James Winslow as our rookie driver for the Taupo and Sydney rounds."