Sky Sports.com

A1GP has spent the last two seasons bedding in and this season it announced itself on the stage as a viable motorsport series. The fact that we're talking about the title being decided on the final weekend speaks volumes.

Georgie Thompson
Quotes of the week

A1GP LIVE ON SKY
British GP, Brands Hatch
Qualifying, 2pm, Saturday
Sky Sports 2
Race Day, 1pm, Sunday
Sky Sports 1

Also see

• 2007/08 A1GP Schedule
• A1GP Live on Sky Sports

The third A1GP season reaches its climax this weekend with the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch, live on Sky Sports.

We caught up with Georgie prior to the British Grand Prix to find her thoughts on what has been the most exciting and unpredictable A1GP season yet.

SKYSPORTS.COM: So Georgie, last race of the season, Brands Hatch, and it's all to play for..?

GEORGIE THOMPSON: What a way to end a season. It's undeniably Switzerland's to lose but you have to say New Zealand could just be in with a chance of stealing it if things go their way and Switzerland fail to make an impression.

SS.COM: Talk us through the scenarios, who needs what to win the title?

GT: In simple terms Switzerland have a 29 point lead heading into the weekend. All Neel Jani has to do is finish ahead of Jonny Reid in either of the two races or finish at least 7th in one of them. It's a tough ask for New Zealand.

SS.COM: A tough ask it is, but a two-horse race nonetheless so talk us through the form of the Swiss and the Kiwis.

GT: The Swiss could have wrapped it up in Shanghai but things didn't pan out well for them. Neel Jani lost his 2nd gear in the feature and New Zealand had a good pit stop to keep them in the mix. The momentum is with Switzerland going into Brands.

SS.COM: Does that mean the sprint race takes on extra prominence? How do you expect both teams to approach it?

GT: The sprint race is all important this weekend. The right result could see Switzerland crowned champions before the feature takes place.

I think both teams will try to qualify well to make sure they don't get caught up in any battles lower down the grid. Switzerland will drive for points, New Zealand will be driving to win.

SS.COM: What about the drivers behind the wheel, talk us through the men who really matter?

GT: Neel Jani for team Switzerland is a cool, calm driver who doesn't panic under pressure. He's been a picture of consistency all season.

Jonny Reid for New Zealand is a brave driver, prepared to take risks and go for broke. Expect a strong, passionate drive from him this weekend.

SS.COM: What about the season as a whole, has it been bigger and better than before? Is A1GP really part of the motorsport psyche now?

GT: A1GP has spent the last two seasons bedding in. This season it announced itself on the stage as a viable motorsport series, with good drivers and strong teams who provide a challenge for one another. The fact that we're talking about the title being decided on the final weekend speaks volumes.

SS.COM: What have been the highlights?

GT: Really the fact that this year as a whole has been so much more competitive than the last two. It makes for much more exciting racing.

SS.COM: And from a British perspective, fourth place heading into Brands Hatch, does that qualify as a success?

GT: As long as Robbie can put in a good performance that sees GBR rise to a third place finish I think the team will reflect on that as a good season and feel relatively pleased with themselves. Obviously there is more to be done for them to call themselves title contenders next season.

SS.COM: What about Brands Hatch, is it still the pinnacle of the season? How have the British public responded?

GT: The fact that the title decider comes down to Brands gives it that added something. The past two seasons have been a huge success here, I can't see any reason why that wouldn't be the case again.

SS.COM: What about Sky Sports? What can we expect on our screens this weekend?

GT: Andy Priaulx and me have the best seats in the house, perched high in the sky in a studio that looks across the entire track, good job because we are both vertically challenged! Tony Jardine is in the pits getting greasy with all the teams to bring viewers the latest from there. The best of the action as far as viewers are concerned will be whatever dramas are unfolding on the track.

SS.COM: Finally Georgie, as you said, it's Switzerland's to lose... will they?

GT: My head says Switzerland, my heart... New Zealand, maybe!