Robbie Kerr gave the partisan home supporters something to cheer about in opening practice for this weekend's 2007/08 A1GP finale at
Brands Hatch, by keeping all 21 of his rivals at bay to record the quickest lap time.
The 28-year-old – bidding to secure third position in the nations' standings for his country – thoroughly stamped his authority on proceedings from the word ‘go' despite changeable weather conditions and a charge from New Zealand new boy Chris van der Drift in the two earlier rookie sessions.
Though he may have spent some of the hour-long session confined to his pit garage whilst his team worked on improving the car's balance, Kerr ultimately wound up more than two tenths of a second clear of nearest challenger CongFu Cheng, who covered more than twice as many laps of the Kent track as his British rival.
“We went out early on and the car was reasonable at the start,” the High Wycombe-born ace explained afterwards, “but there were a few issues initially, so despite going quickest we decided not to waste time and laps trying to solve the issues, but come in and take time to go through everything properly.
“We took our time and unfortunately a few teams went faster, but they were drivers who knew the circuit well. We got the car back together and went out there again, setting the fastest lap.
“We're fairly confident, but there is definitely room for improvement and more time to come – we just have to keep working at it and make sure everything is 100 per cent for qualifying, as that is key in A1GP. If you're not there at the top end of the first flying lap, it can be an uphill struggle.”
“It was a positive start but we cannot be complacent,” concurred team principal Katie Clements. “The competition is so tight, and you only have to look at the first practice results to see just how competitive this weekend will be.
“I'm very happy with the way we have started, but there is a long way to go yet, so we are now working hard ahead of qualifying.”
