Czech team announces leading driver

Erik Janis is the Czech leading driver Nineteen years old Erik Janis has been named as the leading driver of the Czech team for the upcoming A1 Grand Prix season. Antonin Charouz, Janis's manager and seatholder of the Czech team, has announced the ...

Erik Janis is the Czech leading driver

Nineteen years old Erik Janis has been named as the leading driver of the Czech team for the upcoming A1 Grand Prix season. Antonin Charouz, Janis's manager and seatholder of the Czech team, has announced the nomination of the European champion ICC125 kart from 2005 earlier today. Other members of the team are Jan Charouz (rookie), F3000 masters champion from last year and successful driver in the Le Mans Series this season. On stand-by are Tomas Enge, Jarek Janis and Filip Salaquarda. The new season starts at Zandvoort on September 30th and the second event is scheduled to Brno (October 14th).

Younger Janis is considered as one of the most talented Czech drivers. He has proved his qualities not only by winning the European kart championship. He has been racing in the FIA GT3 championship and the International Formula Master this year and was immediately among the quickest. He has also got an offer from Alfa Romeo for the WTCC. In addition, he has been dominating in the popular Ceska pojistovna - Skoda Octavia Cup where he could celebrate the title already this weekend at Most. He is flying to Silverstone immediately after the race on Sunday and is taking part in the first official A1GP test.

Management of the Czech team is going to publish the winning design of the Czech car livery in following days. Antonin Charouz, the seatholder of the Czech team a promoter of Brno A1GP race, has reached an agreement with the Czech television on broadcasting the A1 Grand Prix. The details will be announced later.

Erik Janis: "This news means a lot to me. I have longed for a good singleseater drive and my nomination fulfil my dream. I am overjoyed. I am also well aware of the big responsibility that I will have as a driver of the Czech team. I will do my best to not disappoint. I will be learning at the beginning because I have not driven such powerful car yet. Hopefully, I will get the grip with the car as soon as possible. The championship has a very good name and it is a real challenge for me. I am leaving to Silverstone immediately after Sunday's Skoda Octavia race. I can not wait for the first taste of the A1GP car."

Antonin Charouz: "I have no doubts about Erik's talent and abilities and I am happy that I have been able to give him the chance to be the leading Czech driver. He will have an advantage of rookie practices in the first four events, so he will be able to do more miles during the weekends. It is a good chance to get used to the car, team and competitors. My son Jan will do the rest of rookie practices. Tomas Enge, Jarek Janis and Filip Salaquarda are nominated as reserve drivers. The decision has not been done with their performances in mind. They need to rest, especially Tomas has done so many races including both previous A1GP season. A quiet winter should allow them to recharge batteries."