A1GP: Robert Wickens scores first pole for Canada

February 23, 2008 - After gambling in the first session by waiting to go out, A1 Team Canada would not score a time in the first qualifying session for the sprint race. A red flag stopped the session with only six cars having recorded a time. Once the track was clear, it was all out for a single, one-lap qualifier for the sprint. Most teams elected to go out early in case of another problem on the tight street course in Durban but Robert would wait patiently and this time it paid off.

With a clear track, Robert would go out and take the pole. He would score the fastest sector 2 time and record a lap of 1:18.150 to take the pole by a margin of 0.018 seconds.

In qualifying for the feature race Robert would end the first session off the pace when he had to brake hard for a car on its in lap and lost some time. But he would make up for it in session 2.

He would wait to go out but another red flag nearly scrubbed the session. The track was cleared quickly and there was enough time to get the rest of the field out for their hot lap. Robert would again put in some very fast sectors matching the fastest times in sectors 2 and 3 and bring the car home P2, just 0.112 seconds off pole.

Robert will start both races from the front row - a good place to be on the very tight street course in Durban. and has the opportunity to bring A1 Team Canada forward in the overall championship where they currently sit 10th.

The Sprint Race goes at 04:00 hrs EDT Sunday morning with the feature to follow at 08:00 hrs EDT

Photos: A1GP // From Chris Jameson // Level Ten Communications