The A1 Grand Prix series is an international racing series that will take place during the off season (northen hemishpere winter) of the FIA Formula 1 grand prix series. The A1 Grand Prix series has been sanctioned by the FIA and has been designed so that teams are entered that represent their country of origin. This will make the A1 Grand Prix series a true world championship.

The series was founded and created by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum , a Member of the Ruling Family of Dubai. He has also assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer of the series.

Cars

The series is a one make series. All the cars use a Lola built chassis with 3.4 litre capacity V8 engines built by Zytek. The chassis wheighs approximately 600 kilograms. The engine has a power output of 390 kilowatts (520 horsepower) and produces 442 Newton meters of torque.

Competing Countries

The following countries have been confirmed as entrants so far:

• Australia - run by ex-F1 champion Alan Jones and F3 team boss Alan Docking
• Canada
• China
• Greece
• India
• Lebanon
• Malaysia - franchise owned by ex-F1 driver Alex Yoong, who is likely to drive the car
• Mexico
• The Netherlands - run by ex-F1 driver Jan Lammers
• Pakistan - will be driven by Nur B. Ali
• Portugal - franchise bought by two Portugeuse footballers: Luis Figo and Carlos Queiros
• South Africa - a probable driver is Alan van der Merwe
• South Korea
• Turkey
• United Kingdom - the franchise is owned by ex-F1 champion John Surtees

Championship

According to the A1GP website, the first race of the A1 Grand Prix championship will be at Brands Hatch on 25 September 2005.

External Links

A1gp.com - Official A1 Grand Prix Web Site