アイルランド代表決定!?

Date : Dublin,15 August
Title : The luck of the Irish joins A1

 A1 Team Ireland became the latest national team to join the A1 Grand Prix series today, taking the competitor list to 20 countries reaching every habitable continent on the planet.
 The franchise for A1 Team Ireland has been secured by respected international sports manager Mark Gallagher who will also take on the role of Team Principal. Commenting on today's announcement, Mark said: 'This is a momentous day for Irish motorsport and the combination of many months of planning and negotiations. The A1 Grand Prix series promises to be innovative and exciting. I have no doubt that motorsport and sporting fans in Ireland and around the world will be fascinated by it. Having worked in Formula One? for many years, I have been very impressed with the detailed planning and professionalism that has gone into the creation of A1 and have no doubt that this will be a prestigious world-wide event'.
 A1 Team Ireland also took the opportunity to announce their main driver, former Jordan Formula One driver (2003), Formula Nippon (2002) and British Formula 3 Champion (1996), Ralph Firman.
 Ralph commented, 'I have always been very proud of my Irish heritage and am delighted to be selected by A1 Team Ireland? to represent the country in this exciting new Series. Having been closely involved with the development of the first prototype, I know how good it is to drive and it really does provide a complementary alternative to Formula One. Since driving for Jordan in Formula One, I have been determined to get back into the top of international motor racing'.
 A1 Grand Prix Founder, President and Chairman, Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum welcomed the Irish entry to the Series saying: 'I am delighted that yet another A1 Grand Prix team has been secured by a renowned motorsport figure who will bring with him another world class driver. With the next team test session just around the corner, Irish fans have little over a week to wait until A1 Team Ireland demonstrates its mettle at the Paul Ricard circuit alongside 17 other A1 Teams. I welcome the four leaf clover to the A1GP family.
 'The first shakedown held at Silverstone at the beginning of August saw the top 10 teams all record fastest lap times within one second of each other. I have no doubt that A1 Teams Ireland and India who are joining the next Team Test session for the first time will do their countries proud in their first official run.'

てっきり私はファーマンがイギリス人だと思ってました。
何でイギリス代表に漏れたのかなって思ってたし。(笑)
アイルランド人でしたね、確か。(汗)