Hinchcliffe, with a total of 18 race starts under his belt for A1 Team Canada, has been kept busy since the Brno event, primarily with his TV commitments. In addition to being an accomplished open-wheel racer, the 20-year-old is quickly forging a reputation as a talent behind the microphone co-commenting on the Champ Car World Series for Eurosport TV.
His colorful commentary skills haven't gone unnoticed and when the Champ Car World Series headed down-under to Australia two weeks ago Hinchcliffe was invited by the local broadcaster, Network 7 Television, to fulfill commentary duties on the Surfer's Paradise race. While it literally meant hopping out of his A1GP car in the Czech Republic, flying back to Canada for less than a day then hopping back on a plane to Australia, it was an opportunity too good to turn down for 'Hinch'!
"It was a mega experience," reflected Hinchcliffe upon his return. "They wanted someone who had up-to-date knowledge of Champ Car to help out with the broadcast and the people at the series kindly recommended me to Network 7 as they knew I'd been following everything through my work with Eurosport. The Australian operation was huge and instead of having to work off of the feed given to us, which is usually the case, we got to call the shots of the coverage which was just fantastic as a commentator!"
He continued, "From a professional point of view it was a really cool experience for me and recreationally it was great to fit in another trip to Australia. Last time I was there I ended up barrel-rolling the A1GP car at Eastern Creek so this was a bit more pleasurable in that I didn't cause any damage and was able to commentate on the drama on-track as opposed to being the drama!"
Having returned to Canada and readjusted himself to the various time-zone changes, James finds himself preparing to pack his bags once again. Visiting another A1GP destination, Hinchcliffe is heading back to Mexico City and the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez next weekend to commentate on the final round of the Champ Car World Series for Eurosport.
Looking to fit in a couple of well-earned days off in Mexico following the race, James will be reaching for his passport shortly after his return to Canada as he plans to relocate temporarily to England in mid-November to lessen the travel demands on him during the A1GP season.
With 'The World Cup of Motorsport' heading to the Far East visiting Malaysia and China before Christmas, and New Zealand and Australia in January, James, along with the rest of the Canadian crew will be well versed in the art of long-haul travel!
Round 3 of the 2007-08 A1GP season is hosted at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th November - www.a1gp.com
ENDS - www.a1teamcan.com
Photo Credit: 'A1 Team Canada's James Hinchcliffe' - Jakob Ebrey Photography
A1 Team Canada Media Relations: Stuart Morrison - PR & Media Manager
Tel: +1 514 684 3253, Cell: +1 514 945 3253 / Email: stuart@sm-pr.com
