A1GP 2008

[Luis Nabais]

FILIPE ALBUQUERQUE 1º NO PRACTICE

ArrayPortugal top free practice

By Andrew van de Burgt Friday, April 11th 2008, 08:17 GMT
Felipe Albuquerque has marked himself down as the man to beat in Shanghai this weekend by heading the A1GP Friday practice session.

The Team Portugal driver was fastest in both rookie sessions and followed this up by lapping over 0.3 seconds faster than the rest of the field in Friday's final session.

Title-chaser Jonny Reid went second quickest for Team New Zealand, fractions ahead of the day's surprise package, Team Czech Republic's Filip Salaquarda.

Championship leaders Team Switzerland were fourth fastest courtesy of a strong late effort from Neel Jani, which moved them just ahead of outgoing champions Team Germany with Michael Ammermuller at the wheel.

Conditions are cold and windy at the Formula One venue, but times are already approaching the best from last year's meeting.

Team Great Britain were sixth fastest thanks to Robbie Kerr, while Franck Montagny made a very encouraging debut for Team France by setting the seventh best time as he tries to keep their championship hopes alive.

Franky Cheng was ninth fastest for Team China, narrowly ahead of Daniel Morad of Canada, getting extended running as Robert Wickens was jet-lagged after completing Renault World Series testing earlier this week.

Times to follow.

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