A1 Team Italy has reached the pole position in the Sprint Race at the A1GP Algarve. After a duel with the Dutch Robert Doornbos and the Irish Adam Carroll, Liuzzi at his debut in the “Powered by Ferrari” series, has registered the fastest time for the qualifying of the Sprint Race (1′30.875). He has been the only driver with a time under 1 minute and 31 seconds. Behind the Italian team, A1 Team Netherlands and A1 Team Ireland that will on the first row for the Feature Race.

The Qualifying of the long race, haven’t been as lucky for Liuzzi, only tenth (1′31.852). During the fast lap, the performance of the Italian driver has been compromised for difficulties in the car control: an excessive over gear and the new tyres have avoided Liuzzi to find the right feeling with the car.

“I am very satisfied with the pole conquered from “Tonio” in the Sprint Race – comments Piercarlo Ghinzani – the team has worked very hard in order to reach this result and the driver has found easily a feeling with us and has managed the tyres and the only Power-Boost at best. The qualifying of the Feature Race haven’t been so successful because of certain problems in the driving that have compromised the performance of the car. However, the start from the fifth row isn’t really a problem, because the pace of the car is very competitive. We race in a wide circuit where it is possible to surpass and the experience of our driver can be favourable for a remount in the Feature Race”.

“After the pole position conquered for the Sprint Race, I was expecting something more for the Feature Race, but the new tyres haven’t ensured an optimal grip – has commented the driver – Apart from this inconvenient, the car set up is good, the car is competitive even with used tyres, but the balance can be improved in the fast parts of the track. Yesterday night there was a thunderstorm but the eventuality of rain doesn’t scare me: in the past I have had always good results in these climatic conditions. If it rains during the race I will try to anticipate the opponents pit stops”

The Sprint and Feature Race will start tomorrow at 11 am and at 3 pm. The races will be broadcasted on Rai Sport Più at 4.45 pm (digital terrestrial cable and channel 227 of Sky).