Results of the 2005 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Dubai, UAE

Round 6

The UAE A1 round presented podium finishes for six different nations, an unusual outcome so far in the season. France's stunning eight victory run came to an end in the sprint race but they once again showed their class by winning the feature race from seventh on the grid.

Switzerland took their first win of the season, joined on the podium of the sprint race by Italy and the Czech Republic. With just over a lap to go Ireland and France looked set for second and third but on the penultimate lap France spun off, rejoining the race in seventh, and Team Ireland were heartbroken by an electronic fault with their gearbox robbing them of points.

Although Switzerland lead from the start, followed by Ireland and Brazil, Great Britain and France were back in the unfamiliar territory of fourth and fifth. Brazil's encouraging start lasted only a few laps before mechanical failure meant they became the first car to be airlifted off the track – now that the FIA have approved the use of a helicopter for recovery.

Unfortunately it just wasn't Great Britain's weekend and Robbie Kerr spun on lap six and dropped from third to ninth. Ireland sneaked home in fourth followed by Canada and a rare points finish for Indonesia.

In the feature race France did it again, taking the chequered flag despite starting seventh. Great Britain, settled for second and South Africa took their first podium finish with Stephen Simpson driving to third place.

Switzerland and Italy dueled one another for the lead off the grid leaving a melee behind them involving a collision between the Great Britain and the Czech Republic cars. Team Indonesia surprised everyone leapfrogging from sixth to third, unfortunately their driver spun out on lap six, defending this position, which ended their lucky break.

It was ultimately the pit stopping strategy that sorted out the finishing order and although Britain's Robbie Kerr held on to the lead for some time, the faster French car eventually overwhelmed him. Jos Verstappen finished fourth ahead of surprise package China who held on for fifth, their best finish to date. Canada made it a an all-round points weekend with sixth

Several teams suffered drive through penalties shaking up the early race order. Italy and Germany were penalised for false starts, Switzerland had a pit crew infringement and the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Lebanon were called up for speeding in the pit lane.

Full results of the A1 Dubai Sprint Race 2005

1. Switzerland
2. Italy
3. Czech Republic
4. Ireland
5. Canada
6. Indonesia
7. France
8. Portugal
9. Great Britain
10. Malaysia

Full results of the A1 Dubai Feature Race 2005

1. France
2. Great Britain
3. South Africa
4. Portugal
5. China
6. Canada
7. Austria
8. Mexico
9. Netherlands
10. Australia

Fastest lap: France

Standings after six races