Hinchcliffe and Lacroix to sample A1GP power (05)

Hinchcliffe and Lacroix to sample A1GP power

Montreal, Québec (July 12, 2006) - James 
Hinchcliffe and Kevin Lacroix, two of Canada's 
most exciting open-wheel racing prospects, have 
been invited by A1 Team Canada to sample the 
power of an A1 Grand Prix car at a test to be 
held at the Pembrey Circuit in the United Kingdom 
next week, Monday 17th - Tuesday 18th July.

The driver evaluation, hosted on the 1.456-mile 
track in South Wales, will allow Hinchcliffe (19) 
and Lacroix (17) to experience the power and 
performance of the 500bhp A1GP car, built by Lola 
and powered by a V8 Zytek engine, while working 
with A1 Team Canada.

Commenting ahead of the test, John Surtees, A1 
Team Canada consultant and 1964 Ferrari F1 World 
Champion remarked:

"This is not a shoot-out and there will be no 
pressure on the drivers to go out and set 
startling times.  This is a getting to know you 
session.  We have brought the drivers along based 
on their past experience and the ability shown in 
their racing to-date.  We wanted to do an 
evaluation in preparation for the official test 
which takes place in August.  We hope to continue 
this as a program dependent on A1GP and the 
availability of equipment."

James Hinchcliffe is currently impressing in the 
Champ Car Atlantic Series, racing as part of the 
four-car Forsythe Racing squad.  He started the 
year with a podium performance on the streets of 
Long Beach and captured his first win last month 
at Portland International Raceway.  James sits 
fifth in the title chase following last weekend's 
round in his native Toronto.

Prior to stepping up into the Champ Car Atlantic 
Series James showcased his potential in both 
Formula BMW USA and the Star Mazda Championship. 
He claimed 'Rookie of the Year' honors on his way 
to second in the 2004 Formula BMW USA 
Championship with three wins before a run to 
third overall in the 2005 Star Mazda Championship 
with three more victories.

Kevin Lacroix enjoyed similar success in the 
Formula BMW USA Championship, finishing second 
overall in last season's championship having been 
awarded a BMW scholarship to compete in the 
series.  Kevin subsequently lived up to his 
potential by scoring four wins from a total of 
ten top-ten finishes.  The Saint-Eustache 
teenager graduated to the Star Mazda Championship 
for 2006 and despite missing the opening round of 
the series he currently sits sixth in the 
standings after five starts.  Competing for John 
Walko Racing, Lacroix made an immediate 
impression taking third place podium finishes in 
his first two races for the team.

The second season of the A1 Grand Prix of Nations 
kicks off before a sell-out crowd on the 1st 
October with Round 1 hosted at the Zandvoort 
Circuit in Holland - www.a1gp.com