I think to an extent running the three different drivers over the first three events actually helped the team. The engineers reported that the feedback they were receiving from Oliver in the rookie sessions was very good and that helped develop a set-up for the other drivers in their races. We probably emerged stronger as a result.
Q:
What will be the defining factor in selecting the driver for future races given the likes of Oliver and Robbie have both proved themselves as front-runners in the series?
JS:
Well the factor that doesn’t come into it from an A1GP perspective is what programmes the drivers put together for the 2007 regular season. Obviously the A1GP calendar will clash with other formulas and potential pre-season test schedules. It’s really then a question of who will be available for A1GP duty!
Robbie is a contracted driver and we have an arrangement that when he’s available we have the use of Oliver’s services as well. I still think there’s some potential to continue with what we’ve been doing. For as long as Oliver is qualified to run the rookie session, if we’re competing at a brand new circuit then it may be more appropriate for the team to have him run those races having taken full advantage of the rookie hour.
Q:
Were you surprised by Oliver Jarvis’ competitiveness as a rookie in scoring the team’s first podium of the season in China earlier this month?
JS:
Oliver was faced with the challenge of being a new driver on a new circuit. We chose to run him in China as we felt we could benefit from the rookie session but of course that turned out not to be the case with the first sessions being cancelled for track modifications. He was ultimately dropped in at the deep end with very little practice but drove a very sound race to come home second for our first podium. It was a mature drive, there were no fireworks, he kept out of trouble and we were delighted with the end result.
Q:
With Robbie Kerr following up with his own podium in Malaysia last time out, how far is A1 Team GBR from scoring its maiden win and is there a track coming up where you feel it could and should be achieved?
JS:
Well you’ve got to remember that in Indonesia last year Robbie put the British car on pole for the sprint race. He was extremely quick throughout the feature and it was only due to mistakes made by the team that he didn’t record a win. We head back to Indonesia next week so obviously that’s a track where it could be real possibility.
