Brands Hatch, 25 September - 25 A1 race cars thrilled spectators and television viewers worldwide as they took to the historic Brands Hatch circuit for the first A1 Grand Prix of Nations. In an action-packed race, nations jostled for position each trying to earn their crucial first points in the World Cup of Motorsport’s opening round.

A1 Team Brazil took first place securing themselves 10 points and a $300,000 share of the prize fund but it was by no means an easy win for the pole starter who had to battle for first place with A1 Team Australia.

A1 Team Brazil secured the meeting’s bonus point for the fastest race lap which was set on lap 30 of the Feature race (1.16.547 / 183.4kph).

Comments:

A1 Team Brazil’s Nelson Piquet Jr: ‘We had problems with the pit stop and Power managed to leave in front of me so I got a bit worried. My team told me to push very hard until the end so I did and eventually managed to overtake him which I never expected. The car was really good, excellent in the second race and I could have pushed much harder if I wanted.’

A1 Team Australia’s Will Power: I’m happy with second as it is a really good result for Australia to be on the Podium. At the end of the day we weren’t quick enough to win it and it would have been hard to keep Nelson behind me the whole way. I suffered from oversteer but I tried to do neat and consistent laps. When Nelson passed me it was a very good manoeuvre at the end of the day he was by me and there was no use banging wheels.’

A1 Team Mexico’s Salvador Duran: ‘I think we were very quick but I had two cars in front of me who had been lapped making it difficult for me to pass. I managed to keep Matt behind me which was hard as he is a very good driver at the end of the day it was an awesome result for Mexico. It was a first for me as I have never done a pit stop.’

Points are awarded for both the Sprint race and the Feature race while the $1m prize fund is shared between the top 10 finishers for the Feature race only.

First place 10 points $300,000
Second place 9 points $200,000
Third place 8 points $150,000
Fourth place 7 points $110,000
Fifth place 6 points $80,000
Sixth place 5 points $60,000
Seventh place 4 points $40,000
Eighth place 3 points $30,000
Ninth place 2 points $20,000
Tenth place 1 point $10,000

There is also 1 bonus point available for the fastest lap in either the Sprint or Feature race.