KEY POINTS:
Wanganui schoolboy Earl Bamber will get a rookie drive during round three of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport in Malaysia.
Bamber, 17, has been selected to drive in the two 25-minute rookie sessions at Sepang next Friday before Jonny Reid assumes the steering wheel for the rest of the weekend.
New to the A1 Junior Development team in the Toyota Racing Series this season, Bamber has extensive experience of the Sepang circuit, having clocked up 1500 laps in competition, testing and driving coaching.
The 2006 Formula BMW Asia champion, the first driver to win the series in his rookie season, Bamber has tested at Sepang for BMW and in a Formula V6 Renault.
"It's a difficult track, tricky to get used to, not least because it's five kilometres long," Bamber said.
"It's a big help that I've completed so many laps there, but having the experience around the circuit is one thing, driving an A1 car is another. It's going to be a pretty big step up."
A1 Team.NZL spokesman Bob McMurray said Brendon Hartley, who was part of the team's pre-season testing, had been earmarked for the rookie drive in Malaysia, but Bamber's local knowledge made him the perfect fit for next weekend.
"His vast experience of the Sepang track may well prove invaluable in the initial set-up of the car," McMurray said. "We're also pleased to add to our stable of drivers, investing in the future while giving Earl experience that will help his career."
Black Beauty's eight drivers across the three seasons of A1GP are Matt Halliday, Jonny Reid, Scott Dixon, Wade Cunningham, Chris van der Drift, Daniel Gaunt, Brendon Hartley and Earl Bamber.
- NZPA
