EuroSpeedway in Lausitz, Germany fell silent this afternoon as His Highness Sheikh Maktoum led a one minute silence prior to the A1 Grand Prix Sprint Race. The silence, out of respect for those who have lost their lives and for all who have been affected by the tragic circumstances in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan was observed by all in attendance representing and supporting the 25 competing nations.
Chairman of A1 Team Pakistan, Arif Husain, was touched by the gesture from A1GP, the EuroSpeedway crowd and the other 24 nations competing in the World Cup of Motorsport. He said: "This show of support truly illustrates the spirit of A1 Grand Prix. In circumstances such as this, it is overwhelming that whilst being competitors, all the member nations showed solidarity and a sense of camaraderie."
As the 18-lap Sprint Race got underway with a rolling start, A1 Team Pakistan's Adam Khan made a great move on the outside of the pit straight advancing him from 16th on the grid to a staggering 7th.On entering the first corner he was caught in a racing incident involving A1 Team Portugal resulting in front wing damage forcing Khan to retire on lap three.
With the early retirement from the Sprint Race A1 Team Pakistan started from 21st on the grid for the 35-lap Feature Race.
An early pit-stop by the Super Nova crew ensured that Adam Khan made the best of a clear track. When the safety car was employed on lap 21, to remove the stranded car of A1 Team India, Khan had already made-up nine places to 12th. As the pack closed-up for the re-start Khan drove consistently well to retain his 12th place as he crossed the finishing line.
On a weekend of mixed emotions 20-year old Adam Khan said: "First of all I'd like to say how deeply sorry and how filled with sorrow I am following the terrible tragedy in Pakistan. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Pakistan at this time. The racing this weekend was secondary in my mind and at times it was difficult to keep focused.
"The first race was disappointing but that's the way racing goes sometimes. I struggled a little with the balance of the car in early stages of the second race but I still managed to do the business. The strategy for the early pit-stop was definitely the correct decision as it meant I could make the most of the clean air. The safety car period didn't really help me in any way, but after retiring in the first race I was happy with my performance in the Feature Race.
Summarising on A1 Team Pakistan race performance, Team Principal, David Sears added: "At the start of the first race Adam (Khan) shot away and went from 16th to 7th into the first corner. Following the contact at the first corner the front tyre worked its way loose eventually ending up underneath the car.
"The team quickly repaired the car in time for the Feature Race where Adam used his head and moved from 21st to 12th place at the chequered flag. "
In conclusion Arif Husain added: "I am very pleased with the outcome of Adam and A1 Team Pakistan, particularly on a day like today when the whole country is under a dark cloud after the event of the disastrous earthquake. Adam was here to do a job for his country and we are all very proud of him."
Sprint Race Result
Feature Race Result
EuroSpeedway Points
A1 Championship Standings
To check out our EuroSpeedway picture gallery, click here
sign in