Brands Hatch: Chris van der Drift Friday notes

Chris van der Drift with quickest time in A1GP car at Brands Hatch

Brands Hatch - Chris van der Drift, driving for the New Zealand A1GP team, achieved the fastest time in both the 'rookie' sessions held earlier today in preparation for the last A1GP-races of the 2007/2008 season.

The 22 year old Kiwi driver, now based in Rotterdam The Netherlands, was contacted earlier this week and asked to help the New Zealand team with testing and set-up data heading into the last race weekend of the 10 weekend A1GP 2007/2008 season. Van der Drift completed 25 laps during two 25 minute test sessions achieving the fastest lap time on both occasions, leaving the New Zealand team in good position for Reid to commence testing this afternoon.

It was not the first time that the runner-up in the 2007 International Formula Master championship had been behind the wheel of the 550 hp race-car. In the summer of 2006, in preparation for the second A1GP season, he completed some testing in 'Black Beauty' with the team at the Silverstone circuit. Van der Drift was also involved in the rookie sessions at Indonesia last season. The two 25 minute long practice sessions are intended to provide young talented drivers and Developing Nations additional opportunity to improve their performances.

Chris van der Drift : "It felt great to drive in a A1GP car again. The tests went really well, but it was much too short! From the beginning we were quick, and I felt the car balance was good at the end. The team seemed to be very satisfied with my efforts, and they were really good to work with. This has really left me with a taste for more and I would really like to thank Colin Giltrap of A1GP.NZL for giving me this opportunity!"

John Sears, team-manager of A1 Team New Zealand : "Chris has made a big impression. He not only helped with the set-up of the car, but he has also set the tone for the complete weekend."

-credit: chrisvanderdrift.com