KEY POINTS:
New Zealand is well positioned heading into today's A1GP qualifying for tomorrow's sprint and feature races.
A1 Team New Zealand's driver Chris van der Drift yesterday ended the rookie session fourth quickest and sixth fastest in the open practice.
Van der Drift had a sizeable advantage over his
more seasoned A1 competitors, because he was able to compete in the rookie sessions, as well as the hour-long open practice session later in the day.
"I'm just getting back into the groove of things again. It's been a while since I've been in the car," said Van der Drift. "I had to get back in the groove and blow the cobwebs out."
Seeing the new A1GP cars powered by Ferrari up close is a revelation. To start with, they actually fill the pit garages, are better looking than the old model and have an elegant arrogance about them.
No one is really sure how the more powerful cars will deal with the track, and if the wind gets up over the weekend and covers the circuit with dust, all hell could break loose.
The eight-week break since the previous round in Malaysia had proved a Godsend for the Kiwi team, as it allowed them to spend time in simulation to get the car sorted. There's a good feeling in Black Beauty's garage with lots of smiles. Team manager John Sears is looking forward to qualifying today and tomorrow's racing, with a knowing glint in his eye.
"Most of the time [during practice] we were up near the front which is fantastic," said Sears. "We're only making a few minor changes, as what we started with was a good place to begin."
After the final practice was over Van der Drift said: "The car's better than last time I drove it and that's really good. As we're at a new circuit I'm on a new page and if it keeps driving like this it should be all right.
"We are certainly going in the right direction. I did spin going into turn 12, but I was just finding my limits. The track is quite dirty off line, but it will get much quicker over the weekend as more cars go round."
There's a real feeling of positivity in and around the Kiwi garage with the team and fans alike looking forward to a big weekend. Van der Drift has come to grips with the Taupo circuit quickly and is looking forward to really getting down to business.
Defending champions Switzerland won the day's bragging honours, setting the fastest time in rookie practice with No 1 driver Neel Jani fastest overall.
It's close at the top of the times' table, so qualifying should be close.
In an interesting aside, the A1GP organisers have decided to ban the PowerBoost system for today's qualifying after Sepang where some teams objected to its use.
