[Jaime]

A strong qualifying session from A1 Team Malaysia and Fairuz Fauzy puts the team in the top ten for both the Sprint and Feature races tomorrow in Taupo, New Zealand. This fourth round of the 2008/09 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport will see the yellow car of Malaysia line up ninth for the Sprint race start and in sixth place for the main Feature race.



A1 Team Malaysia continued to make the final preparations for tomorrow’s races in the morning practice session. This was the final opportunity for Fauzy and the team to assess the car and make final setup changes ahead of qualifying. For Fauzy it was also another hour of track experience which is critical at this highly challenging track. With 13 turns in 3.5 kilometres and some tight corners which produce high G-force loads on the drivers, fitness, stamina and technique are all-important for the drivers. After the final hour of running, with 22 laps completed, the Malaysian team had posted 13th fastest lap, however the team’s performance was not representative of its pace as at least three teams used new tyres during the session, while Malaysia ran on well-worn tyres.



A ninth place start for the sprint race resulted from the two ‘flying lap’ runs from Fauzy. With championship points available down to eighth place, this solid effort puts the team in with a real opportunity to race for a points finish in the Sprint. Fir the Feature race runs Fauzy improved on his Sprint race lap times, lining up on the third row of the grid in sixth place.



Fairuz Fauzy said after qualifying, “It was a shame I wasn’t able to make the most of my new tyres on the first run, but starting from ninth we should be able to get into the points. Starting sixth for the Feature race puts us in a good position. We made some minor changes between the sessions and that really helped us to improve. From sixth we are in well the mix and should be able to have a good result tomorrow.�



Jack Cunningham, Chief Executive, adds, “Today’s performance was much more indicative of the pace that we have. The team has bounced back from a disappointing start yesterday and pulled through, with Fairuz driving well to take two top ten starts. It’s taken the team longer to get to grips with the track and find a good set up, but when it mattered they performed well, which is the only thing that is important. We’re well set for two strong, highly competitive races tomorrow in which we hope to finish in the points.�



The A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, New Zealand race weekend concludes tomorrow with the Sprint and Feature races. The action begins in the morning with the short twenty five minute Sprint, including one mandatory pitstop. A colourful driver’s parade and opening ceremony will entertain the fans prior to the main Feature race in the afternoon, which features two mandatory tyre change pitstops. The nations will line up at 11am for the Sprint race and 3pm for the Feature race (local time) and viewers in Malaysia will be able t watch the Feature race live on ESPN from 09h00 onwards