Shanghai Speed Spectacle
An analytical exploration of the penultimate A1 Grand Prix event held at the Shanghai International Circuit, detailing qualifying performances, race outcomes, and championship implications.
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Event Overview
Race Details
The 2007-08 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Shanghai, China, constituted the ninth event of the 2007-08 A1 Grand Prix season. This prestigious motorsport encounter took place on April 13, 2008, at the renowned Shanghai International Circuit, situated in Shanghai, China. The prevailing weather conditions were overcast, contributing to the atmospheric intensity of the competition.
Circuit Information
The Shanghai International Circuit, a venue celebrated for hosting premier international motorsport events, served as the stage for this critical round. Its complex layout and demanding corners provided a formidable challenge for the drivers and teams competing in the A1 Grand Prix series.
Season Context
As the penultimate event of the 2007-08 season, the Shanghai Grand Prix held significant weight in the championship standings. Teams were vying for crucial points, with the championship battle reaching a critical juncture, setting the stage for intense on-track action and strategic maneuvering.
Qualifying Analysis
Sprint Race Qualifying
The qualifying session for the Sprint race saw Neel Jani, representing A1 Team Switzerland, secure pole position with a commanding time of 1 minute and 34.163 seconds. This performance underscored Switzerland's strong form heading into the weekend's opening race.
Main Race Qualifying
For the Main race, Neel Jani of A1 Team Switzerland once again demonstrated exceptional pace, securing pole position with a time of 1 minute and 34.172 seconds. This marked another strong performance, highlighting Switzerland's consistent speed throughout the weekend.
Race Results
Sprint Race Summary
The Sprint race culminated in a victory for A1 Team Switzerland, piloted by Neel Jani, who also set the fastest lap with a time of 1 minute and 35.400 seconds. The podium was completed by A1 Team Canada, with Robert Wickens securing second place, and A1 Team Portugal, represented by Filipe Albuquerque, finishing third. Notably, championship contenders France and New Zealand failed to score points.
Main Race Summary
In the Main race, Jonathan Summerton of A1 Team USA achieved a historic first victory for his nation, marking the 16th distinct country to win an A1 Grand Prix event. The podium was rounded out by A1 Team Portugal's Filipe Albuquerque in second place and Adam Carroll representing A1 Team Ireland in third. The fastest lap of the Main race was recorded by Robert Wickens of A1 Team Canada.
Championship Implications
Title Race Dynamics
Following the Shanghai event, the championship battle intensified, with A1 Team Switzerland holding a commanding lead of 29 points over their closest rivals, A1 Team New Zealand, heading into the season finale. The Sprint race results, where neither France nor New Zealand secured points, significantly impacted the standings, positioning Switzerland favorably for the championship title.
Points Standings Update
Switzerland's consistent performance, particularly their pole positions and Sprint race victory, allowed them to build a substantial points advantage. The lack of points for key competitors in the Sprint race further solidified their position, making the final round a crucial opportunity to confirm their championship status.
Event Notes & Records
Key Milestones
This event marked the 31st race weekend of the A1 Grand Prix series, encompassing 62 individual race starts. It represented the third occasion the championship visited the Shanghai International Circuit and the fifth time in China. Notable driver debuts included Jorge Goeters for Mexico, Franck Montagny for France, and Alexandre Negrรฃo for Brazil. Nathan Antunes of Australia also made his debut as a rookie driver during this weekend.
Notable Achievements
Several records and milestones were highlighted during the Shanghai Grand Prix:
- A1 Team USA and Jonathan Summerton achieved their inaugural A1GP race victory.
- A1 Team Switzerland secured their ninth pole position of the season.
- A1 Team Lebanon continued its streak of participation across 31 rounds (62 starts) without scoring any championship points.
- Neel Jani amassed a total of 289 career points.
- Jorge Goeters set a record as the oldest driver to start an A1GP race at 37 years, 9 months, and 18 days.
- Alex Yoong reached a milestone of 28 races (54 starts) in the series.
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References
References
- A1GP launches Global Village a1gp.com (April 02, 2008)
- Vote for your favourite A1 Team a1gp.com (April 09, 2008)
- Double Swiss pole a1gp.com (April 12, 2008)
- Shanghai Sprint: lap-by-lap a1gp.com (April 13, 2008)
- Feature race: lap-by-lap a1gp.com (April 13, 2008)
- Mexico switches driver a1gp.com (April 09, 2008)
- Franck Montagny in for France a1gp.com (April 05, 2008)
- Negrao earns Brazil promotion a1gp.com (April 08, 2008)
- Australia recruits new rookie a1gp.com (March 09, 2008)
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional motorsport analysis, strategic consultation, or historical verification. Always refer to official A1 Grand Prix documentation and consult with qualified motorsport historians or analysts for specific needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.