We'll keep you updated for the A1GP action in 2009!

Back to "what to do in Durban"

Durban’s the place to be on the weekend of 22 – 24 Feb 2008. Join 100 000 A1 Grand Prix fans watch 23 of their heroes pit themselves against each other for ultimate glory.

You should consider making your pit stop at Casa Playa [www.casaplaya.co.za] in Umhlanga Rocks. It is only 15 km from the A1GP racing circuit on Durban’s famous ‘Golden Mile’ and 35 km north of Durban International Airport.

After the excitement of the adrenaline-fuelled A1 Grand Prix, you can kick back and relax on Umhlanga Rocks’ golden beaches and lush surroundings – with your base in Casa Playa.

What is A1GP?

23 nations pit themselves against each other in the “World Cup of Motorsport”. The drivers compete as equals without financial or technological advantage. The racing is fast and furious – the tight, twisty street circuits guarantee that.

What's happening now?

A1GP is preparing to enter its third season by revamping the rules. Exciting changes have been put into place affecting qualifying, pit stops and point allocation.

All countries will be able to show off what they’re made of with the qualifying being adapted to ensure that every A1GP nation has a fair chance at securing a position for both the Sprint and Feature race. Also, a mystery second pit stop that has been introduced will have the drivers’ stress levels on a rise (as it will only be revealed as the pit lane opens).

Adrian Zaugg and Team South Africa seem to be mirroring the start of last years’ season with a nine point champion lead by October. Zaug, a young and ambitious driver, has already won the Sprint race and came second in the Feature race at the season-opener in Zandvoort, Holland, during the end of August.

What happened last year?

South African fans were chearing the local star, A1 Team South Africa driver, Stephen Simpson in his ‘Vulindlela’ car.

Jos Vertrappen of the A1 Netherlands team was the hero of the race (even though he crashed during the last lap). Vertrappen had the very vocal fans on the edge of their seats as he demonstrated the dangers and glory of racing on such a narrow circuit.

A1 Team Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg was the star of the second meeting as he broke the record for the most number of wins by any one driver in the A1GP.

Race Information

Practice:	Friday, 22 February 2008
Qualifying:	Saturday, 23 February 2008
Race:	Sunday, 24 February 2008
Sprint race:	11h00 (local time)
Feature race:	15h00 (local time)
Location:	800 metres from Durban city centre and 300 metres from the North Beach coastline, close to Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World.
Track Length:	3.28 km/ 2.04 miles
Number of turns:	11
Direction:	Clockwise
Lap record:	1:18.178 recorded by Nelson Piquet Jr, A1 Team Brazil in 2006

Book now for your A1GP accommodation

Casa Playa No 5 is the ideal place to stay for this not-to-be-missed A1 event. This up-market self catering apartment situated on Umhlanga main beach is close enough to ensure that you make the most of your A1GP weekend.

Family members that aren’t as interested in the adrenaline-fuelled race watching as you can spend their days at the number of amenities within close walking distance (such as hair dressers, cocktail bars and coffee shops) or laze about in the sun on Umhlanga’s main beach.