Jos Verstappen, the Netherlands' most successful racing drivers, is to represent his country after signing to drive for A1 Team Netherlands in the inaugural A1 Grand Prix series - the World Cup of Motorsport.

Jos will be driving for the team which is to be run by another of his country's top racers, Jan Lammers.

It was announced in November l2004 that Lammers had become the Netherlands' A1 GP Seat Holder and since then he has been working hard on forming the best possible team.

Announcing the deal Lammers commented: "We wanted to put together a team we could be proud of as a country and the icing on the cake is having Jos drive for us. He is without doubt the most popular driver from the Netherlands and his results speak for themselves. I am sure the thousands of fans who have followed his career closely will now be waving our country's flag in this innovative new series."

"Of course it's very unusual having to defend your country," added Verstappen. "The fact that next week I will climb into a bright orange car not to represent a team or a sponsor, but an entire population makes this very special.

"I find it an honour that I will be able to do this. Of course I do not have to explain to the real car - and race fans what the potential is of the combination Jan Lammers, Huub Rothengatter and Jos Verstappen."