Kyalami 22nd February 2009, A1 Team Australia started their race preparation with time to remember their fellow Australians who suffered in the Victorian Bushfires. A special remembrance note remains on the front nose of the Australian race car as the crew showed their respect wearing black armbands to join the Official Day of Mourning in Australia on February 22nd of 2009.

Once the A1GP drivers had completed their warm up lap the tension was building for a race start with hopes of improving the team’s position from the back of the grid. John Martin maintained his position for several laps until the pit window was open. Realising the team will start the Feature race in 4th place on the grid and their need of keeping the car in good shape for a better race position, Rob Arnott the Team Chief Engineer called Martin into for his stop. This was a perfect call as the crew pounced on the car and sent Martin back out onto the track jumping six cars to take over 12th position to where Team Australia would finish the 14 lap Sprint. The number one team once again, the Aussie “Pitstop Kings” set the fastest pit stop of 30.98 seconds or to use the actual stop in the box being 8.9 seconds.

Alan Jones A1 Team Australia Seatholder: “With the perfect pit stop and the decision to bring John in when we did was exceptional. We took 12th place, close to a point, and the team have that important feedback needed for the main event, the Feature Race where we are starting from a far better position in 4th”

John Martin: “At the start I was looking for any opportunity whilst keeping the car in good shape. As the race unfolded I waited for the pit window and Robbie’s call to come in. The boys did another great job allowing me to jump six cars and get to 12th place. Now we start from 4th in the Feature and I’m looking forward to that in a few hours”