Portugal is counting on Albuquerque’s return to win!

The A1 Team Portugal announced today that Filipe Albuquerque will be the main driver for the South African weekend in Durban. For the seventh race of the season and for the other three rounds, Albuquerque will replace Joao Urbano.

Portugal is currently ranked 17th out of 22 nations represented, due to the only 5 points scored by Urbano. With this poor result, and the arrival of Albuquerque, winner of the World Series by Renault in 2006 as well as the Formula Junior, A1 Team Portugal hopes to finish the season in the top 10. The announcement was also accompanied by an official commitment until 2008-2009.

« It is an immense pleasure to become a member of the A1 Portugal team. With only four race weekends remaining, I will do my best, hoping to honor my country. » Commented Albuquerque.

Urbano performed well in a race in Taupo less than a month ago where he finished 8th. The rest of the season was marked by penalty errors, notably during speed issues in the pits. He has been invited to stay with the team until the end of the season as a reserve driver.

Luis Vicente, the director of the Portuguese team, admitted: « It has always been our goal to have Filipe [Albuquerque] on our team. He is one of Portugal’s greatest talents and still has immense potential! »

Albuquerque will take the reins of an A1GP in Durban starting Friday for the first free practice session, reserved for rookie drivers.