KEY POINTS:
Table-topping New Zealand driver Jonny Reid is heading into the unknown for the seventh round of the A1 grand prix series in South Africa this weekend.
The Durban leg is the only street race in the 10-round series and Reid is at a distinct disadvantage because he has never driven a street circuit.
"Matt Halliday drove in Durban in the first two seasons, as well as Beijing's street race last season, so having a few walls around me is a totally new experience," Reid said today.
"But I'm heading into this with the view that a race track is a race track and you need to do your job and apply yourself as normal.
"You always try to be precise and put the car in the right place on any circuit. The only difference here is that if you make a mistake it will end your race. There are no second chances."
Reid headed to Durban last weekend, arriving at the venue earlier than usual so he could acclimatise and get familiar with the layout.
He has been walking the track to gain a feel for the racing lines and visualise how the cars will react on a bumpy surface.
"This is a crucial, crucial time for us in the championship so we're doing anything extra we can to assist us be successful this weekend," Reid said.
"There are so many unknowns, I'm heading in blind. The circuit isn't available on any simulator and there's no onboard footage available like the Taupo and Eastern Creek circuits we've been to this year."
Reid has secured the most race wins this season, with three from 12 outings, and New Zealand remain the only team to finish in the top 10 in all 12 races to date.
But Reid, 24, said that speed and consistency would not be readily apparent as he worked his way into the weekend and used the two one-hour practice sessions to become familiar with the circuit before putting the foot down in qualifying.
"I'm not going to be on the pace straight away, but I need to stay chilled and take it as it comes because that's simply the nature of not knowing the circuit. I'll pick it up and it just takes time."
With four rounds remaining, New Zealand, on 96 points, are tied with France at the top of the championship table, but lead by virtue of more race wins.
Switzerland are third on 93, and South Africa are another 14 points back in fourth.
"Everyone's fired up and keen to push hard to gain first place outright and extend the lead. We don't want to share it," Reid said.
Reid is still kicking himself for a pre-race stall that saw him start from pitlane instead of pole position in the feature race at Sydney a fortnight ago.
While he fought back to finish ninth in the 22-nation field he is quietly determined to atone for the mistake.
"There's probably a little bit of fire within to perform and gain back those points we could've had for a podium or race win at Eastern Creek.
"I'm carrying a bit of fight, but I learnt a thing or two in Sydney about the way I work and cope with adversity. I'm focused on maintaining my established routine, and doing everything as I've always done it."
- NZPA
