LAST YEAR'S A1GP STAR REID OUT IN THE COLD

FORMER A1GP whiz Jonny Reid the man who piloted Black Beauty to second in the championship last year has revealed his disappointment at being left out in the cold this season.

The 25-year-old, who has been with the team for the last two years, gave total commitment to the cause when he was the No 1 driver.

This year he's been overlooked in favour of young guns Earl Bamber and Chris van der Drift and admits he's frustrated with his predicament.

"There's a whole different approach to A1GP this season," Reid told Sunday News.

"I wasn't at the testing earlier in the season but I was available for it.

"Just the way things worked out with the testing dates being delayed it didn't really work in my favour.

"If you're not part of the testing, especially when you've got a new car to develop, it makes it difficult.

"Earl and Chris were chosen for the testing and so far they've done a reasonable job. That's the way it goes from time to time."

Despite suggestions from the team he is still considered a chance of jumping in the hot seat again this year, Reid says he's now unsure as to his standing with them and is questioning just how committed he is towards them.

"It's hard to say what direction I'm going to go," he admitted. "I am in the line-up mix but unless you're selected it's difficult to show what you can do and we all know what that is.

"It's more of a question for owner Colin Giltrap or a member of the A1 team."

Team New Zealand spokesperson Tim Martin downplayed talk of a snubbing and said the delay in testing was the main factor for Reid's absence so far.

"Jonny was with the original testing plan if the build programme for the new car was perfectly on track then Jonny would have been first in the car," he said.

"Chris was in Europe and able to jump into the car at late notice.

"With three drivers with terrific talent which includes Jonny we really have a neat package.

"Jonny is still involved with the team. At this stage we don't have any firm races set aside for him but he will be in the team at some stage."

Yet it remains to be seen whether Reid will want to drive Black Beauty this season. After taking part in a few Indy Lights races last year, Reid has revealed he's in the process of finding a team for the series that starts in April.

"The way I'm training at the moment, the Indy Lights will be a success," he said.

"One day I see myself racing Indy Car and winning the Indianapolis 500.

"All I ask is for one season in the Indy Lights to prove that I can win the championship and that will propel me into Indy Car no doubt.

"In terms of A1GP, for me to be 100 percent committed like I have been over the past few years, I'd expect the same back from the team.

"If they gave me the opportunity I would drive but only if it fits into my programme."

- © Fairfax NZ News