Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 21 February 2009 – A1 Team Malaysia’s assault on the 2008/09 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport continued today with the first two practice sessions at the Kyalami circuit, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Aaron Lim, the ‘rookie’ driver of the team was the first of the team’s two drivers to experience one of motor racing’s most famous circuits. Later in the day Fairuz Fauzy began his preparations for the two A1GP races. Both drivers voted the track one of the most exciting and challenging that they had ever driven. Fauzy finished the practice session 12th quickest, with Lim 10th fastest in the earlier session.
The two drivers walked around the 4.26 km circuit in the morning and were highly impressed with the challenge it presented. They were both very keen to take the wheel and have the chance to drive it, and it wasn’t long before they were given this opportunity.
The team, with a new engine in the car, had to prioritise the rookie session for essential installation tasks. Lim completed installation laps and a three lap run, before handing over the car to Fauzy.
Lim loved the challenge of the Kyalami circuit and its unique qualities. “It is an amazing track,“ said the young Malaysian. “It’s high speed and has quite a few blind corners so it is a real test of a driver’s bravery. There’s not much run off, so this makes it even more exciting to drive. It’s just the sort of track that I enjoy; I’m buzzing from my drive, I’d love to have more laps.
Fauzy was just as enthusiastic as his team mate and full of praise for the Kyalami track, saying, “It is one of the most impressive tracks I’ve ever driven, with the changes in gradient and camber, blind corners, tricky chicanes, just everything. We had a few technical problems in the session, but we were able to run x laps. We were on the pace right from the start, topping the timesheets at one point, but cars that went out later in the session ended up with the quickest times.
“For qualifying I think we’ll find more time, and with another practice before that, we have time to develop further.”
Jack Cunningham, Chief Executive, A1 Team Malaysia, adds, “It’s a satisfactory start to the weekend. It was a shame that Aaron wasn’t able to have more laps as he obviously relished the chance to drive at a track which is so well liked. Fairuz was quick right from the start, so if we can keep improving our pace, as others will too, then we’ll be in good shape for Sunday.”
The A1GP World Cup of Motorsport continues tomorrow with the final practice and qualifying sessions in preparation for the two races on Sunday.
