Asian Motor Sports

A1 Team China have confirmed that Congfu Cheng will return to race for them in Taupo later this month.

The 24-year-old, who is his country’s most capped driver, will replace Ho-Pin Tung, who has raced in all three events so far this season.

Nevertheless, Tung will be present to share his knowledge of the A1GP ‘Powered by Ferrari’ car with Cheng, whose only experience of the new chassis was one afternoon’s running in a test at Silverstone in October.

It will be the first time Cheng has raced since the 2007/08 season finale at Brands Hatch, and his track time in the new car has been limited to one afternoon’s running at Silverstone in testing in October last year.

“The power is very good and the acceleration is very smooth,” Cheng told A1GP.com. “The tyres and whole aerodynamics are completely different to last season. I only did 20 laps then and the lap times were ok, but I could improve a lot. The key for me will be about learning when to brake, because the new brakes are amazing. I’m looking forward to the future and driving it again.”

The races at Taupo, held on January 25, will be the first Cheng has contested since the 2007/08 season finale at Brands Hatch.

Cheng will also be backed up by a new rookie driver, Adderly Fong, who will compete on Friday morning.