After a weekend of 5 consecutive 4th placings, across 2 practice sessions and the first 3 qualifying segments, Jonny Reid went out early to set a time that claimed the first Feature Race pole of his A1GP career and his 4th pole overall, reported tvnz.com.
But every aficionado is expecting a hot battle. Matter of fact, the New Zealand’s championship lead will be closely contested at Eastern Creek after quality qualifying efforts by nearest rivals France and Switzerland, both just 2 points behind the Kiwi team on the ladder.
France will start from pole for the Sprint Race alongside Switzerland. South Africa, meanwhile, will be on the second row next to New Zealand. The Swiss will then be beside Black Beauty on the front row of the Feature Race grid, with France starting from 5th.
The primary reason for New Zealand exemplary standing in the qualifying race is the use of clever tactics. “We got held up in the first qualifying segment for the Sprint Race so we wanted to get out and get clear air,” Reid said. “It feels fantastic. We weren’t sure if the time was going to stick, but the conditions changed a lot with the sun coming out and it got a bit warmer. The car feels great so I’m confident for tomorrow. We’ll see how we go.”
Last Saturday, in the morning’s final practice session, Reid repeated his 4th fastest placing from Friday’s session. Once again, France set the pace.
Currently, New Zealand has 82 points, just 2 points ahead of Switzerland and France, with Germany another 15 points back.
