Zandvoort, the Netherlands, 05 October 2008. It was the perfect start to the new season of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport for A1 Team Malaysia in Zandvoort, Netherlands today. Fairuz Fauzy dominated the Sprint race, coping with torrential rain, in the new A1GP Powered by Ferrari car, to take the first spoils and claim an excellent maiden win of the season for his nation.
The opening round of the ten event A1GP Series finally got underway today at the Dutch circuit. Despite heavy rain, a packed racing venue watched Fauzy drive to his first A1GP victory. The Malaysian team started from fourth on the grid after a strong qualifying performance yesterday. The safety car was used for the start of the race due to the bad weather but green flag racing started after two laps.
Fauzy picked up one place after the Irish car spun at the start, but lost out to a charging Switzerland a few laps later. Fauzy then fought back, reclaiming the place to lie third at half distance. Showing great maturity and bravery Fauzy then made a sweeping pass on second placed Netherlands to claim the runner up spot. With just four laps to go Fauzy then hunted down leader, New Zealand and made a perfect overtaking manoeuvre to take the lead and drive away from his trailing rivals. He took the chequered flag, returned to the pits and immediately celebrated with his team before stepping onto the top step of the podium to hear the Malaysian national anthem and lift the winner’s trophy above his head.
Fauzy said of winning his first A1GP race today, “I am so happy to take this win. It was very difficult on the track today and made even more challenging with the lack of experience we have with this new car, but we have worked really hard as a team and now we have a fantastic win. We start from pole position for the next race as well, so I hope we can have more success, but if the weather stays like this it will be another huge challenge for everyone. I’m looking forward to it!”
Jack Cunningham, Chief Executive, A1 Team Malaysia added, “It’s a tremendous win for the team today. Everyone has put so much effort into preparing the car and being ready for this event, so to take the win makes it a very special occasion. Fairuz drove superbly, in some of the most difficult weather we’ve seen, and I’m delighted for everyone in the team and for our commercial partners who have been so supportive.”
The Feature race can be seen live on www.a1gp.com at 3.00pm local time.
