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A1 GP - Arden Drivers Test Quotes

Arden International have just finished testing their shortlist of drivers for the A1 Grand Prix Great British team

Ralph Firman, Robbie Kerr, James Rossiter and Alex Lloyd drove at least 20 laps around the Brands Hatch Indy circuit in Arden's Championship winning F3000 car. Firman and Kerr completed their test on Monday on a dry track, while Rossiter and Lloyd ran in Tuesday's damp conditions.

An announcement on which driver will land the drive is not expected until next month.

Autosport-Atlas spoke to the candidates after the test. Here are their thoughts:

James Rossiter: "It was a good experience - the car had lots of power and no traction control which in the wet meant it was lot of fun. I knew I was only going to get limited running so I pushed straight away. I had one off at Paddock Hill Bend but I didn't go anywhere near a wall which shows I was pushing.

"I should get the drive because I've got an extra little bit of speed over anyone else. I can't tell you how - it's a secret. I showed it doesn't take very long for me to get into the car and go very quick in the wet. I can adapt quickly to new cars and new circuits.

"I'm on the young driver programme with BAR and I'll be well prepared in terms of fitness for A1 GP."I know I'm fast enough for this drive but it depends what they are looking for. If that's me then great, but if not I'll continue pushing for a Formula One seat.

Robbie Kerr: "This was a real opportunity to test a proper F3000 car with a strong team. It has gone well and I know how to set these cars up. I've led the team in the right direction on set up and they are fairly happy with the feedback I've given them.

"My chances of getting this drive are one-in-four but I believe I've done a good job these past two days and kept it all on the Island. I've produced consistent times and I think that's what they were after. But then given the opportunity again you always think you could do better.

"They have learnt my characteristics. They know how I am and how I work and hopefully they will like it. I'm not an engineer and never claimed to be one, but every engineer I've worked with before has been able to take what I've said and produced a car I've been able to work with.

Alex Lloyd: "The weather was different to yesterday and we only got 20 laps. The car went well straight out of the box, which was not surprising.

"They will have learnt that I can get on the pace quickly, but in these wet conditions we were under strict instructions not to make mistakes. I showed that I can keep learning and finding small improvements but there is still more speed to come.

"Having driven a number of cars over a few years I know what it takes to go quickly and the different driving styles to make that car go quickly. Everybody seemed happy and I couldn't ask for any more.

"I've got a good chance of landing this drive. There are drivers with more experience and who have won a number of different Championships. They are looking for youth and motivation and I feel that I would fit the bill and I know I could deliver on the track and win this Championship. I'm sure the times from this test will be similar but we didn't compare data."

Ralph Firman was unavailable for comment because he was flying to Japan for this weekend's Super GT race.

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