Atech Reid GP has confirmed that the five drivers racing Atech Reid GP prepared cars in the 2011 Superleague Formula Nations Cup are Filip Salaquarda, Czech Republic / Sparta Prague, Frederic Vervisch, Luxembourg, Earl Bamber, New Zealand, Robert Doornbos, Netherlands and Duncan Tappy, Japan.
It has been months since the 750 brake horse powered cars have been on track and both sessions today have been used by the team as an opportunity for each driver to re-familiarize themselves with the feel of the car, setup and to get back into a groove.
In both sessions all drivers managed to set a time to place themselves within the top 10, with Robert Doornbos (Netherlands) setting the second fastest time in free practice 2. He was the only Atech Reid GP driver to put on new tyres in the second session which also saw Luxembourg's Frederic Vervisch set a time to place him within the top 6 on old rubber.
Vervisch will be one to watch this weekend and is confident about qualifying. 'I did not get the chance to race at Assen last year in the Superleague Formula car and, having driven the circuit this morning and this afternoon I am getting to grips with it. I am loving being back in the Superleague Formula car and looking forward to putting on new rubber tomorrow.'
Earl Bamber (New Zealand) and Filip Salaquarda (Czech Republic / Sparta Prague) were 10th and 8th respectively in the first session of the day with Earl improving his overall pace in the afternoon's session setting the 9th fastest time followed by team mate Salaquarda in 10th. 'I think all of us are feeling more comfortable going into qualifying tomorrow. Bamber stated. ' Today was really about getting re-familiarised with the car, the team and the track for me. I am sure tomorrow will be a completely different story for all of us when we put on new rubber.' Filip added 'Today we did not put on new rubber because it was more important for us to learn the track and try some set up changes. Tomorrow's time sheet will look very different and I am looking forward to my first race in the series.'
Duncan Tappy has been confirmed as the 5th driver for the Atech Reid GP team and will be representing Japan this weekend in Assen. He was unable to get out on circuit this afternoon due to technical problems but has been granted a shakedown session by Superleague Formula officials this evening.
The session will give him the opportunity to check that all systems are running correctly on the car as well as some time to get back into a groove. He has a lot of catching up to do but is confident that he will not be too far behind in qualifying. 'I received a call yesterday from Anthony Reid asking me to race for Japan in Assen this weekend.' He stated. 'I arrived this morning and have not been in the car yet, but will be going out on track this afternoon. I have fond memories of racing within the Superleague Formula category and feel I have some unfinished business. I am a little bit nervous for tomorrow, but am not worried.'
All 5 drivers will be on track for the first qualifying session of the season 13:40pm local time (Assen).
