Big news in the A1 Team Italy. Last night, the Italian team has officialised an agreement that will see Vitantonio Liuzzi, in the next two A1 GP races: Algarve (April 10th – 12th) and Brands Hatch (May 1st – 3rd). Liuzzi is at the moment the third driver of the Force India team and has previously raced for the Red Bull and Toro Rosso teams.

The agreement has born from both Tony Teixeira, CEO of A1GP World Cup of Motorsport and A1 Team Italy to support the Italian team with a highly experienced driver who will be able to full exploit the potential of the team in order to enhance the quality and to advice the younger drivers.

The entry of Liuzzi has been possible because of the pause given from A1 Team Italy to Edoardo Piscopo, first driver of the team in the last year and a half, in order to enable him to prepare the summer season. The Roman driver will be back on the Italian car in the A1GP Mexico City.

“In the next weeks – explains Piercarlo Ghinzani, seatholder of A1 Team Italy – Edoardo will do several tests and won’t be available for A1GP races. From here has come the idea of a collaboration with Liuzzi that will enable him to go back on track and get prepared for his future commitments in Formula1. We, instead, will be able to exploit all team’s potential. Edoardo is growing, is a complete driver, but has still to acquire experience: at present he is learning from our staff. Liuzzi is “accomplished” and for this reason we can expect important results immediately”.

In order to be at the top for his first experience with the “Powered by Ferrari” car, yesterday and today, Liuzzi has been testing in Modena on the official A1GP simulator managed by Anton Stipinovich from All Insports. Thanks to this simulator he has had the opportunity to learn the Algarve circuit, on which since now only Ferrari and A1 GP for a few tests, have raced.

“The simulator – tells Liuzzi – is really realistic. This system has allowed me to get know the Portimao circuit, a very difficult one, without being obliged to get there earlier. It is a fast circuit on which the cars have to be lead to the limit: its principal characteristic are the up and downs and the blind turns. It reminds me Spa and Istambul”.

The new arrival in the A1 Team Italy has also focused on his possibility to race on a Maranello car: “In Formula1 I have had the opportunity to try cars with a Ferrari engine. It is a great satisfaction to drive a car that is signed Ferrari, it gives an incredible charge of adrenaline”. “The A1GP car – adds Liuzzi – has 600 mhp and a “violent” torque, that is difficult to manage without the help of electronics; one of the problem of the driving could be the impossibility to modify the pedal map, a change that is instead permitted in Formula1: each driver has a different sensibility. Aerodynamics? I have been told that is excellent.”

“The set up of cars like this one is complex, difficult to manage and it requires a different one for each circuit. Next year I should go back to F1 and I need “ to do kilometres”. A1GP is the championship mostly similar to the “queen” series and I think it could be propedeutic to it. However, before giving comments, I would like first to drive the car: Sunday, after the Sprint and the Feature race, I will be able to be more precise”.