McIntosh heads to Zolder for World Series start

Courtesy Stuart Morrison Public Relations

Montreal, Canada (April 26, 2006) – Sean McIntosh’s winter world tour might have wrapped with the conclusion of the inaugural A1GP season but the 20-year-old Canadian is all set to begin a new European adventure, starting this weekend, as the 2006 World Series by Renault kicks off at Zolder in Belgium, 29th-30th April.

Stepping up from the domestic Formula Renault (http://www.renault-sport.com/) 2.0 championship in Britain, where he captured his maiden win and ‘Rookie of the Year’ honors in 2004 before going on to score five more victories last season to cap 2005 as Vice Champion,

McIntosh has already showcased his potential in the #6 KTR-entered (http://www.ktr.be/) 425bhp Formula Renault 3.5 he’ll race across Europe this season in the World Series by Renault. Topping the time sheets at the last pre- season test, held at Germany’s Nürburgring circuit, the Vancouver racer continued to impress in an international field boasting new fewer than 30 drivers. Having traveled the world racing for A1 Team Canada in the first ever ‘World Cup of Motorsport’ Sean’s ability to adapt and learn new circuits will again prove vital as he starts his World Series campaign with this year’s schedule taking in some of Europe’s finest race tracks.

Pre-season testing has taken the A1GP race winner to Circuit de Catalunya in Spain, Le Mans in France and the Nürburgring in Germany. Set to return to compete at those tracks as the season progresses, the calendar also includes trips to Monaco, as a support race to next month’s Formula One race, as well as Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and Donington Park, McIntosh already a winner at the British circuit.

This weekend’s double-header at the 4.048km track at Zolder presents a fresh challenge for the Canadian although an added day of testing tomorrow offers a priceless opportunity to gain additional mileage and track knowledge. With the KTR team based in Belgium, Zolder marks a ‘home’ start for the Belgian outfit with Sean’s World Series by Renault debut eagerly anticipated.

The sole Canadian in the field and one of just two North American’s competing in World Series by Renault this season, Sean commented: “I’m really looking forward to the new season! I’m new to Zolder but I’ve studied the layout of the track and raced it on the PlayStation but there’s no substitute for the real thing. I’ve heard it’s a challenging track! Pre-season testing went pretty well but we know we have to be straight on it this weekend. As a nine-round championship you just can’t afford to have an off weekend in the World Series!”

Race 1 (21 Laps) is set for 3:05pm CET on Saturday with Race 2 (28 Laps), including a mandatory pit-stop, following on Sunday afternoon at 2:15pm.