In three week's time, the A1 GP 'circus' arrives in Dubai, for round six of the inaugural series, the halfway point in the Championship.

Therefore, with the first five races out of the way, and France enjoying an ominous lead, what better time to ask race fans what they think of the series thus far.

Pitpass regulars will know that the site has championed the series since it was first announced, an early interview with founder Sheikh Maktoum convincing me that A1 was going to make race fans sit up and listen.

I still have reservations about some aspects of the series, but for the most part it has done what is says on the packet: provides close racing, with action and excitement throughout the field.

I am still concerned that cars are stalling on the grid, and the field streaming past the stricken cars of the Netherlands and Brazil on Sunday, once again had me holding my breath in fearful anticipation. Make no mistake, A1 is riding its luck, and sooner or later these grid problems are going to lead to a dreadful accident.

Pitstops remain a lottery, and it is ludicrous that after five races we are still witnessing the sort of problems that should have been solved in the days that followed the Brands Hatch event. A1 isn't about capitalizing on the popularity of other disciplines, it's about bringing in new motorsport fans, and that isn't going to happen when they see their car loses valuable positions because of a sticking wheel nut.

Then, of course, there is TV coverage, or lack of it. I know of several people who though fans of the series, have yet to see it, either unable, or unwilling, to pay for coverage. A1 has to pay its way, however, if Ireland can do a deal whereby a broadcaster gets to show delayed highlights, so could other countries. The only way that people are going to be attracted to A1 is if they can see it.

Other than that, I have found A1 to be entertaining and fun, and I am sure that despite the arrogance of the purists, we are witnessing a couple of potential stars in the making, and I am not merely referring to the French drivers, Premat and Lapierre.

However, this isn't about what we think, we want to hear what you think.

After five races, what is it about A1 that thrills, or disappoints you?

Please note that this Talking Point is for race fans who wish to provide constructive criticism of A1, if you merely want to tell the world that it's crap and F1 is king - or if you are a journalist in the pay of another series - we don't want to hear it, we've heard it all before… and then some.

So, after five rounds, lets hear what you think of A1.

Chris Balfe
Editor

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Robert Lujan