Shanghai: Team Pakistan Friday notes

Khan returns to Shanghai

A1 Team Pakistan driver Adam Khan was back on track at the Shanghai International Circuit today, the venue of his best ever result - fifth - in 2006. Taking part in the penultimate round of the 2007/08 season, Khan was behind the wheel of the Pakistan car this afternoon for the final practice session of the day around the impressive F1 circuit.

Unable to take part in the Rookie session due to a change in A1GP regulations, Adam Khan was forced to sit out the first hour of track action this morning. The lack of track time meant the 22 year-old driver was forced to bed in new brakes and set up the car in the second practice session of the day, putting Pakistan a few steps behind the majority of the A1GP teams.

Completing 26 laps around the 4.6km circuit, Khan reacquainted himself with the long and winding track without putting a wheel wrong. The British Pakistani driver completed the team's test programme, which included bedding in a new engine. With only a few minutes of practice left, the Pakistani car suffered a fuel pressure problem leaving Khan stranded on track. The team finished 19th quickest.

Earlier in the weekend, Khan took part in the customary A1GP PR event, which saw drivers from various nations try out some traditional Chinese games with local school children. Along with drivers from Brazil, France, Malaysia and the Netherlands, Khan was taught shuttlecock kicking, Chinese yo-yo and rope skipping.

Reflecting on the serious business of first practice, Khan said, "It was a little difficult out on track today as we didn't have the advantage of the rookie practice session this morning. That meant we had to bed in the new brakes and the new engine in second practice, when most of the teams we already starting to improve their set up.

"I really like this circuit and I'm confident that we can be more competitive tomorrow. Our pace towards the end of the session on old tyres was quite promising which is a good sign for the races. I'm feeling very positive about our chance of scoring points this weekend. Hopefully we will put on a good show for Pakistan."

Team Manager John Allen added, "This first practice session was very much about the shake-down of the car and bedding in the new engine and brakes rather than outright speed. We've gathered some useful data and can see the areas on track where we need to improve. Adam is doing a good job through the first part of the track, but I think we can make up some more time in the second sector of the circuit, which is quite technical. I think we'll see some improvements tomorrow."

The team will study data from today's practice session before returning to the track for final practice tomorrow at 11.00 local time. Qualifying for the Sprint and Feature races will commence at 14.15.

-credit: team pakistan