It’s final! With only two months to go before the first 2002 CART Toyota Atlantic Race at Monterrey, Mexico, Jonathan Macri has clinched a ride with P-1 Racing for the 2002 season. A native of Gormley, Ontario, Jonathan is no novice to the Atlantic Series, nor is he a newcomer to Team P-1 Racing, having run for P-1 Racing in 2001. In his rookie year, Jonathan was quick to establish himself as a skilled, mature driver with an aggressive yet controlled style. He clinched 5th spot in the Championship Standings, just missed the podium in only his second outing when he was fourth at Nazareth. He finished all but two races in the top 10, with a best of second(plus fastest lap) at Elkart Lake. He was again fourth at Houston and Laguna(where he gridded second and again set fastest lap) and second in the Rookie of the Year Standings, managing to finish every race except one, which saw him pit with mechanical problems. Jonathan’s performance in 2001 did not go unnoticed as he was awarded the "BBS Rising Star", an award that honours the Atlantic driver who demonstrates the most competitiveness and promise. And neither did his performance go unnoticed by P-1 Racing owner Bill Fickling, who was as enthusiastic to ave Jonathan on his team as Jonathan was to drive for P-1 Racing. It follows, therefore, that the continued racing marriage between Jonathan Macri and P-1 Racing would seem a natural one.
"I’m thrilled to be back with P-1 Racing," Jonathan said. "I’m especially happy that Bill Fickling and P-1 Racing worked hard to ensure that I was back racing with them this year. We did well in 2001, and managed to achieve a 5th place finish in the Standings. That was our goal, and the team worked really hard to provide a car competitive enough to run in the front. The 2001 Atlantic season was one long learning curve. I was new to the car, the team, and the tracks. We really built a solid foundation, though, by the end of the season. I now have a much better understanding of the car and Atlantic race courses, and I’ve had the opportunity of one full season to build a really strong rapport with team owner Bill Fickling, team engineer Willy Opplinger, and the three mechanics, otherwise known as the ‘French Connection’, Alex, Hubert and Jacques. I see 2002 as a continuation of what we built together in 2001. I believe it can only get better. For 2002, our aim, initially, is to be competitive - to run in the top 5. Ultimately, though, we want to make a serious run for the Championship. I am really looking forward to being back with P-1 Racing and I would like to thank the sponsors NTN Bearings Corporation of Canada, Miller Genuine Draft and P-1 Racing for making it happen. I want to add a special thanks to NTN Bearings for their continued support. They were there for me in 2001 and I’m really grateful that they’re on board once again this year."
Jonathan hopes to put in six to eight test days before the first Atlantic race at Monterrey, Mexico on March 10. His first two test days take place January 28-29 in California.
In his 2001 rookie season, Macri made clear his intention in the Atlantic Series - to race hard and intelligently. With his rookie year behind him and armed with a season’s worth of Atlantic racing experience, Jonathan will make a run for the Championship in 2002. |
 |