by Russell Atkins
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Despite Loïc Duval announcing that Durban was his last time out in the World Cup of Motorsport in 2007/08 due to clashing Formula Nippon and Super GT commitments in Japan, Olivier Panis remains hopeful of persuading A1 Team France's talisman driver to return to give the outfit a boost in its challenge for the crown.
Duval has led the squad to no fewer than seven rostrum finishes from twelve outings this season – including
les bleus' first victory in the fiercely-contested nation vs nation series since February, 2006. With the championship now returning to the scene of that maiden campaign triumph – Mexico City – this weekend, and France lying second in the title chase, Panis knows it is time to pull out all the stops.
“I really hope [Durban was not Duval's last race],” the team's advisor insisted, speaking exclusively to
Crash.net Radio. “I feel very good about him, he's doing a really good job and he's really fast. I hope we can convince him to race again, otherwise we will need to find the best driver we can to finish the championship.
“We have Nicolas Prost who is going better and better; maybe we will put him in for a race at the end of the season depending upon where we are. We have a few drivers who would do well, so we have to wait and see what Loïc decides.”
Indeed, as France's leading light in its championship charge this season, Duval's presence or lack of could yet be crucial in helping to cement or dash the hopes of a team that currently lies in the thick of a three-way tussle at the top, ten points adrift of leaders Switzerland and the same margin ahead of third-placed New Zealand. South Africa, Germany, Great Britain and the Netherlands all still remain in the hunt too with three meetings remaining on the calendar.
