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Full launch announcement from this morning's media brief which includes announcement of Team NZ:
Sydney, 30 March – A1 Grand Prix marked its first birthday today with the launch of A1 Team Australia exactly one year on from the championship's official launch in Dubai. With 15 national teams signed up so far and another 10 teams in the final stages of negotiations, A1 Grand Prix is now counting down to its first race this September. To date, some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs, with an estimated net worth of 50 billion US dollars, have demonstrated their commitment to the championship by investing in their national teams. Presidents, Prime Ministers and numerous government ministers, statesmen and high-profile celebrities have backed A1 Grand Prix through attendance at the five national launches which have taken place so far. In the latest high-profile ceremony, Australia became the sixth country to unveil its A1 Grand Prix race car and the second nation to be announced as an A1 Grand Prix race venue. A1 Grand Prix Founder, President and Chairman Sheikh Maktoum took the opportunity to confirm Australia would host an A1 Grand Prix race at a location and date that will be confirmed when the final calendar is announced. Speaking of his country's involvement in the new championship, A1 Team Australia Chairman Alan Jones commented, 'There is no doubt that Australians love their sport and their motor racing. To compete in an international series and to have one race in Australia is very exciting. We are here not just to win but to use this as an opportunity for Australia’s up and coming drivers'. A1 Grand Prix Founder, President and Chairman Sheikh Maktoum spoke of his excitement for Australia's involvement in the championship. 'With over 200 countries in the world and only 25 places on the A1 Grand Prix grid, I'm delighted and honoured to have A1 Team Australia launch this evening with such national support from its government, businesses and people.' Sheikh Maktoum took the opportunity of the launch of the Australian A1 Team to announce the participation in A1 Grand Prix of Australia's closest rival, New Zealand. The franchise, which brings the total to 16, has been bought by entrepreneur businessman Colin Giltrap of Giltrap Group Holdings Limited. Christian Jones will take the wheel of the Australian A1 Grand Prix race car for a media demonstration at the Eastern Creek circuit on Thursday 31 March.
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