DURBAN, South Africa — Title leader A1 Team Switzerland dominated the action in Durban Sunday to win the incident-packed feature race, as the tricky turn one claimed several victims throughout the 48-lap race.
The Swiss team now sits 10 points ahead of France in the championship standings while New Zealand now lies third, having scored only two points after enduring a frustrating weekend in South Africa.
Superb work by the French team in the pits helped Loic Duval on his way to securing second place behind Switzerland, an incredible feat considering the Frenchman only arrived at the track from Japan on Saturday morning and qualified eighth. Portuguese rookie Filipe Albuquerque wowed the crowds by racing to third position from ninth on the grid, taking an impressive first podium on his A1GP debut.
Switzerland leaves Durban with 118 points, ahead of France with 108 and New Zealand with 98.
In the sprint feature, 18-year-old rookie Robert Wickens, the youngest ever polesitter in A1GP, got a good start and despite being hit from behind by New Zealand’s Jonny Reid in turn one and losing his five-second lead due to a safety-car period towards the end of the thrilling 15-lap race.
Wickens managed to keep Great Britain and Switzerland behind him to take Canada’s maiden sprint-race victory and the first win of his A1GP career.