Team Lebanon entered the world of international motor sport today with the official announcement of the Lebanese A1 Grand Prix team. The race car, in full Lebanese livery, was unveiled this evening by Lebanon’s President Emile Lahoud at a stunning VIP gala evening at Le Royal Hotel, Beirut, hosted by Mr Nadhmi Auchi.

The President was guest of honour at the launch reception. Other dignitaries involved in the proceedings included His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum and Team Lebanon leader Mr Tameem Auchi. The event was presided over by Lebanese TV celebrity Mr George Kordahi.

"I am very pleased to be here tonight to celebrate this challenging Team Lebanon concept," said President Emile Lahoud. "The whole country will be supporting the team on the race track, while the rest of the world will see the strength, pride and determination of Lebanon and its people. I am sure that we will all be very proud of A1 GP Team Lebanon."

Team leader Tameem Auchi then introduced the car: "We want the Lebanese people, both here and around the world, to be proud of the team that is bearing their national colours. This launch event is a clear demonstration that Team Lebanon is a serious player, one that will bring success to those involved."

The world debut of Team Lebanon saw the A1 Grand Prix racing car, bedecked in the red and white colours of the Lebanese national flag and featuring the famous Cedar of Lebanon on the sidepods, emerging with a roaring engine to a fanfare of sound and light. The car made its way down a specially constructed 30 metre runway to finish in the middle of the reception.

At the launch, Sheikh Maktoum said: "A1 Grand Prix is delighted to welcome Mr Nadhmi Auchi, his son Tameem and the Lebanese A1 Grand Prix team as the first Arab nation to join the global family in the World Cup of Motorsport. It shows the entrepreneurial spirit of the Lebanese people and business community and is a demonstration of how Lebanon now wishes to showcase its achievements and new image to the world."

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