1980 Formula One World Champion Alan Jones has launched his country's entry in the forthcoming A1 Grand Prix series in Australia.

The launch is one of a number that will take place over the coming weeks as the series, the work of Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum, gathers pace ahead of its maiden race, at Brands Hatch in September.

Following the launch on Wednesday, it is planned that the car will complete a demonstration run at the Eastern Creek Raceway on the outskirts of Sydney on Thursday. The car will be driven by Jones' son, Christian, a former F3 racer, who it is widely believed will be driving his country's car when the championship gets underway.

At the recent launch of the Mexico entry it was revealed that football star Ronaldo has bought the franchise for Brazil's entry, while fellow football star Luis Figo is involved in the consortium that has purchased Portugal's franchise.

Despite early scepticism A1 GP continues to gather pace, and it is hard to believe that the series was officially launched just one year ago.

Pitpass has learned that several more announcements are to be made in the coming weeks, with several more big names - not necessarily from the football world - signing up to A1.