Portimao: Vitantonio Liuzzi Friday notes

Vitantonio Liuzzi experiences positive A1GP start

Vitantonio Liuzzi experienced a positive debut in the A1 Grand Prix Of Nations. The Italian, currently serving as a third driver for Formula 1 team Force India, was called at Portimao by Team Italy to line-up for the final races of the season. In the first rookie practice, Vitantonio tried to take the best out of the available time to get the right grip with the new car and the racetrack. Then, in the following collective practice session, he put together a strong performance, ending up in 4th place with a best lap of 1:32.568.

The goal is now to complete a further step in sight of tomorrow's Qualifications, starting at 14:15 local time. Teams and drivers will also count on another practice session starting at 11:00 AM. The two races will be starting on Sunday, respectively at 11:00 AM and 16:00 local time.

Vitantonio Liuzzi Team Italy

"We started the 30-minute rookie session in an effort to put things together and have an initial baseline, but we were slowed down by a brake problema. In the following 1-hour session, things got considerably better as we worked on improving the car's set-up. Fourth place is ok, though we could still have improved by completing one last lap. Our main job is to make the car suit my driving style in the best possible way. I'm not thinking too much to the race, I'm rather focusing on improving laptimes and trying to have a shot to the pole spot. The A1GP car is quite interesting, it has good aerodynamics, and I believe there's still a lot of room for improvement..."

-credit: vl