11/12/2006
NEWS STORY
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Stephen Simpson, a name well known to regular Pitpass readers, is to test for the Mi-Jack Conquest Racing Team tomorrow and Wednesday.
"Stephen's a good young driver who demonstrated his talent in the A1GP series this past season and we wanted to give him the opportunity to drive a Champ Car and to show his skills in one of these cars," said Eric Bachelart co-owner of the Mi-Jack Conquest Racing Team.
The test will bring back some memories for Bachelart as he drove for Simpson's agent Robert Synge, former BAR team manager, back when he had the Madgwick Racing Team.
This test will also mark Simpson's first time in a Champ Car. In the past couple of years he has raced in A1GP, Atlantics and Formula Renault.
"I'm excited about driving a Champ Car," said Stephen. "I think it's such a great Series and with the new car coming in next year, it should make it even more interesting. My main goal right now is to drive in the Champ Car Series in '07 and I am very thankful to the Conquest Team for giving me my first chance aboard their Lola at the MSR track."
After participating in three Champ Car Atlantic races in 2006 with Gelles Racing, where he was placed as high as fifth in Monterrey, Mexico, Stephen pulled out early of the series to concentrate all of his energy on the upcoming A1GP season where he was named joint number one driver with Adrian Zaugg for Team South Africa. In the inaugural A1GP season, Simpson drove in nine races, capturing the pole position in Monterrey, Mexico and finishing third in Dubai. He was also named 'Most Improved Driver' by the A1 Team bosses.
The South African participated in the British Formula Renault Championship in 2005 with Team JLR scoring three podium finishes. In 2004, he was the Vice-Champion in the British Formula Renault Winter Series and from 2000 to 2003, he competed in different series such as the Formula Renault Eurocup, British Formula Ford as well as South Africa Formula Ford where he was crowned National Champion.
There might also be an extra incentive for Simpson to drive in the Champ Car World Series in 2007. Negotiations are underway for all Champ Car races to be televised in South Africa. It would be the first time that the series would be broadcast live on the African continent.
Stephen's test comes two weeks after A1 GP rival, Alexandre Premat, tested for the conquest team.