KEY POINTS:
Black Beauty driver Jonny Reid expects the third season of A1GP, starting this weekend in The Netherlands, to be the closest and most exciting in the World Cup of Motorsport's short history.
The 23-year-old will be New Zealand's No 1 driver this season, with support from a clutch of promising rookies, and expects the nation versus nation series to become increasingly competitive.
"I think A1GP as a whole will go up a gear or two this season," Reid said.
"Everyone knows the cars and tracks so well, the driver talent pool is a lot deeper and A1GP has made some rule changes that will add spice."
Reid, named A1GP's most improved driver last season as New Zealand finished runners-up to Germany in the championship, leaves his London base today to prepare for this weekend's opening round at Zandvoort.
"This is arguably the hardest race for me because it's the first one of the season and, while I'm stronger physically and pretty fit, I'm not race hardened, having not raced during the New Zealand winter," Reid said.
"I've never competed at Zandvoort either, so not knowing the circuit is a bit of a disadvantage.
"But I have high hopes. The team slipped back into work mode very quickly at the two testing sessions we had at Silverstone recently and I'm sure we'll be on the button this weekend."
Reid said equalised technology meant fans would finally see the level playing field it has craved. "You will never see another 'runaway' winner, like France was in the first season.
"Every driver is going to have to be mentally strong because the racing will be tight and pressure-packed."
A1GP has delivered some rule modifications to season three that should add drama to each round's qualifying and the two points-scoring races.
More points are on offer (allocated 15-12-10-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 for both races with a further point awarded for the day's fastest lap), providing more incentive to pass and finish as high as possible.
- NZPA
