A1 GP costs of competition?

[Asa]

Does anyone have any idea how much it costs for a country to compete in A1 GP for a season?

[Roninho]

I'm interested as well. Only number i've heard was after the announcement of the new-zealand team, which was nz$10 million per year. That's about 5 million euro a year. As i said, read it on this forum, don't know if it is correct.

Seems to me that running-costs shouldn't be much more than F3000 was, since they are using a slightly faster engine. Unless of course testing will not be limited. High costs will be transportation, but i don't know if this is paid for or not. On the other hand, each race-winner will be getting a million dollar.

[cos]

There's also the original cost to purchase the franchise, which I think varied from country to country (e.g. USA, UK etc. would be much more than Lebanon). Running costs will be offset by the prize money available at each race weekend (which I think I read was $1m per event).

[Armco Bender]

Lets hope the money thing doesn't spoil it like F1,hopefully the organisers have it planned so teams like Lebannon and New Zealand aren't at a disadvantage against the well funded teams from the super rich countries.

[Kicking-back]

I can't see how they would be at a disadvantage - everyone has the same equipment

[SALEEN S7R]

I agree KB, although obviously the countries with the most ammount of money will still have the best teams running their cars.

[Armco Bender]

Yes but if it comes down to drivers ,the teams with the most $$$$ can get most experienced drivers,like the second string F1 drivers etc.The last geniune Kiwi F1 driver still around is Chris Amon.

[Scribble]

I dont think in its inaugural season, A1GP will have too much by way of drivers that should be in F1 - however, should the season go well, the second season may well see budding and/or former F1 drivers take to the track in the name of their country. Agreed that this will be a problem for those countries that don't have such a varied pack of drivers to choose from. On the other hand, it may well uncover previously unknown talent from places half the F1 bosses are unaware even exist!

[SALEEN S7R]

I would agree that we may see some ex F1 drivers racing in the series, although IMO it will be signifcantly less than what was probable thanks largely to the new GP masters series. A bit of a shame but then both series can co exist. IMO.

[Kicking-back]

I don't think GP Masters will have any effect, Saleen - it has a minimum age of 45.

All the drivers in A1GP will be considerably younger than that.

[Just Do It!]

Has anyone come up with any conclusive "estimates" on what it costs to run this series?

The NZ Team have signed Fisher and Paykel (an appliance and health care manufacturer) up as their first sponsor. Apparently, the deal is for NZ$2 million, but am unsure if that is for the sponsorship term or annually.