Marco Andretti will get his first chance at A1GP this weekend in China. (LAT photo)
Marco Andretti will take over the driver duties from Charlie Kimball for the American team in this weekend’s second round of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport at the new Chengdu International Circuit in Sichuan province in southwest of China. The 21-year-old, from the Andretti racing dynasty who is the son of Team USA manager Michael and grandson of Mario, made three starts in the American Le Mans Series at Sebring, Lime Rock Park and Road Atlanta in addition to his regular drive in the IndyCar Series with Andretti Green Racing.
“Getting to race in China is something I’m really looking forward to,” said Andretti, who is expected to share the Team USA drive with AGR teammate Danica Patrick this season. “Although the A1GP program is new to Andretti Green, I thought the crew did a great job with the first race. They had to put in a lot of effort just to get on track and they were able to get the car up to speed quickly. I know there is a possibility that the weather could add another element to the race, and that should only make the race more challenging for the drivers and more entertaining for the fans.”
Former F1 and Champ Car driver Robert Doornbos will also get his first chance to race for the Netherlands in Chengdu, as the team’s two lead drivers alternate race weekends throughout the season.
“I’m really looking forward to making my debut for A1 Team Netherlands and representing my country for the first time,” commented the 27-year-old Doornbos. “It’s a new experience for me to be representing my country in this successful A1GP series. I have never seen the circuit in Chengdu and have only tested the Ferrari-powered A1GP car for 20 laps.”
Great Britain has recruited the services of Danny Watts to help kick-start the team’s 2008/09 campaign in Chengdu, with the 28-year-old bringing a wealth of racing experience with him. After a successful 10-year racing career, which has spanned single seaters and GT racing, Watts has also undertaken testing in the new Powered by Ferrari car during its development process, running for two days this summer effectively replicating the running that has been available to the majority of other A1GP teams. Narain Karthikeyan will take to the track for A1 Team India and, after securing the team two victories last season, he will make his 29th race start for his nation.
Karthikeyan said, “We are more ready than ever to get on the track at Chengdu. It has been a long break and, after doing a good deal of physical training during the off season, I am feeling fit and am eager to get behind the wheel of the brand new Powered by Ferrari car.”
Mexico will make its season debut with David Garza behind the wheel. The 20-year-old last raced for his nation in front of his home crowd in Mexico City last season.
