“It's amazing really - a real boost and fabulous surprise. A1 Team GBR is a great team and they have the potential to win every time they compete. I'm here to help and hopefully the relationship can become long term. Firstly I've got to get used to a new car, new team and new track,” said Clarke when hearing the news.
Clarke competed in the ChampCar World Series in two consecutive seasons, 2006 and 2007, and caught the eyes of North American fans by being one of the fastest drivers in the qualifying sessions. However, he failed to convert this into good finishing positions inside the race, as his ChampCar highlight was a 2nd place at Elkhart Lake. He also became the first European driver competing in the ChampCar Series to be suspended from a race due to careless driving at Zolder (practice session).
However, A1 Team GBR boss Katie Clements insisted that this is a good opportunity for Clarke to get back on track with his career, as he is one of the most promising British drivers out there.
“Dan Clarke is a British talent that has perhaps been overlooked and, since the demise of Champ Car at the end of 2007, he has been sadly without a drive. I am confident that his experience of high level single-seater racing combined with his thirst to return to the cockpit will produce good results next weekend e had an unfortunate race day in Malaysia at the last round before Christmas, and it is absolutely vital that we score well this weekend to move up the standings,” said Clements.
A1 Team GBR is currently 9th overall in the official standings, having scored points only in China so far (out of 3 events). The Taupo race will get under way this weekend, January 25th.
Google News