Grapevine: Firman to Test A1 Grand Prix Car at Jerez

Former Grand Prix driver Ralph Firman will take to the wheel of A1 Grand Prix's car at the Jerez circuit next week as the new series continues with its preparations ahead of its debut.

Firman, who drove for the Jordan Formula One team last season, will share testing duties with the series General Manager, Stephen Watson. Both men will drive the Lola chassis, powered by the Zytek V8 engine, that the A1 Grand Prix championship will use.

"The chance to be involved with the A1 Grand Prix project was a great opportunity for me," said Firman. "Stephen has brought me up to date with the work he has done so far, and now I can't wait to get behind the wheel of the car in Jerez.

"It has all the right ingredients to be a very successful racing car and I am sure will be fun to drive."

The four-day Jerez test begins on Monday, while on Tuesday Firman will have a seat fitting and then will join the test on the 25th, 26th and 27th to complete a hot weather test.

The championship, which is scheduled to start in 2005, will involve a minimum of 24 countries with 30 identical cars.