Two-time Formula One world champion and dual Indianapolis 500 winner, Emerson Fittipaldi, says January's A1GP Taupo event should test the skills of the drivers to the very limit.
Motor racing legend Fittipaldi is the Seat Holder of A1GP Team Brazil and has first-hand experience of the Taupo track, having demonstratedKiwi Grand Prix legend Denny Hulme's McLaren M23 at the first race there last year.
"In this new generation of A1GP 'Powered By Ferrari' cars, the Taupo circuit will be a supreme challenge for the drivers," says Fittipaldi.
"These are real thoroughbred racing machines capable of rivalling anything and they will be extremely quick on this circuit. The track has a long straight which will give the cars a great chance to stretch their legs, and some incredibly challenging corners."
Fittipaldi agrees that the race will almost certainly be the fastest ever motor race in New Zealand.
"Definitely, if the weather holds up and it doesn't rain, I would say A1GP Taupo will set new records, and that is saying something for a country with as rich a history of motorsport as New Zealand."
Fittipaldi's team will be one of a full field of the new generation A1GP Powered By Ferrari cars for the A1GP on January 23, 24 and 25.