You can watch the South African A1 Grand Prix on Sunday, 25 February, on RTÉ Two between 12.55pm and 2.15pm.
Last season's street race in Durban was one of the real successes in A1 GP’s rookie year. The temporary circuit proved a real hit with the drivers and South African race fans turned out in huge numbers to support their home team.
The feature race in Durban almost produced Ireland’s best ever result. Ralph Firman was running in a strong second place and looked set for the podium, but the mechanical gremlins struck after the pit-stop and Ireland bowed out, Firman’s challenge ruined by a broken anti-roll bar.
Maybe this time around the gods will look more favourably on the boys in green. Team Ireland has experienced a difficult season and bad luck has plagued the team. Recent personnel changes have produced a marginal improvement. The arrival of former Jordan engineer Gary Anderson should help get the best out of the A1 GP car and improve race strategy. The rest is down to Richard Lyons, who recently replaced Michael Devaney in the race seat.
Devaney can consider himself unlucky to be sidelined for the moment, but he’ll be watching with interest from the RTÉ commentary position, where he joins John Kenny in calling the race live on RTÉ Two this Sunday.
The ‘rub o’ the green’ has eluded Team Ireland so far this season, so there is real hope that fortunes will improve this weekend. If that’s the case, you can expect Lyons to run comfortably in the top ten. If the set-up is nailed, a first podium of the season is a realistic target. Hope you’ll join us to watch the race unfold.
Peter Collins
