The New Zealand A1 Grand Prix

New Zealand will host its first A1 Grand Prix, when the teams head to Lake Taupo, in the centre of New Zealand’s north island, in January 2007. The Lake Taupo circuit only opened in 2006 and it promises to provide some exciting racing, in what will be the biggest motorsport event in New Zealand for 40 years.

The 3.5km track at Taupo Motorsport Park was officially opened on March 19th 2006, after spending $NZ22million on the complex. Taupo Motorsport Park has three different track configurations, two separate pit areas, and two separate start/ finish points, this allows for two races to take place at the same time.

The main track, which will be used for the A1 Grand Prix, should provide an action packed weekend of racing, with the most striking feature being the 830 metre long straight. The race starts with a sharp left hand hair pin bend, undulating its way round through 13 more turns before hitting the long straight, followed by a left right chicane, and routine left turn to the start/ finish line.

Team New Zealand, who performed consistently well in the first year of A1 racing, will be looking to give the crowd something to cheer. As a brand new complex, the facilities here are excellent; there are 13 first floor corporate suites, and a second floor catering area with more corporate hospitality areas. The circuit has capacity for 19,000 spectators (9,000 seated) and parking on site for 14,000 cars.

Lake Taupo itself is the largest lake in New Zealand, and the district attracts over a million visitors every year. Taupo is close to the Whakapapa ski fields and Tongariro National Park, and there is some outstanding natural beauty in the area.

Taupo Motorsport Park is easily reached by road from the town of Taupo, situated at the junction of Centennial drive and Broadlands road. Taupo is 174 miles from Auckland, and 238 miles from Wellington. The town also has an airport, just 5 miles south of the centre, and there are regular flights from Wellington and Auckland.