A1 Grand Prix's unrelenting trail-blaze through the world of international motorsport continued today as Founder, President and Chairman Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum announced three major new signings for the FIA-approved motorsport series during the launch of A1 Team India.

France, Switzerland and the USA will join the 16 other countries which have already announced their participation in the first ever World Cup of Motorsport. Jean Paul Driot, creator and owner of Driot Associates Motor Sport (DAMS) has been confirmed as Team Principal for A1 Team France while the franchise for the crucial American market has been secured by Communications tycoon, Rick Weidinger. A1 Team Switzerland has approached former Sauber Formula 1 and Porsche Motorsport Director, Max Welti, to head up their national side.

A1 Grand Prix's CEO, Tony Teixeira confirmed the involvement of the three new teams saying: 'The inclusion of France and Switzerland significantly increases A1 Grand Prix's European footprint providing traditional competition for the likes of A1 Teams from Great Britain and the Netherlands. Looking across the Atlantic, Mr Weidinger's support has presented a significant opportunity to develop A1 Grand Prix's profile in the influential American market. By giving American fans the opportunity to race against 24 other nations in 550bhp single seater cars with equalised tyres and technology, I am sure with an American entry into A1 Grand Prix, the Series will be backed by the patriotism of the American fans and will prove a major success in North America'.

Highlighting the global reach of A1 Grand Prix, Mr Teixeira spoke from Beijing while Sheikh Maktoum attended the launch of A1 Team India in Delhi. At yesterday's evening ceremony, Sheikh Maktoum spoke of the significance of including India in the first A1 Grand Prix season. 'India is the largest democracy on the planet with over 1 billion people, bringing A1 Grand Prix ever closer to its goal of representing 80 per cent of the world's population.

He continued: 'The world has witnessed India's passion for national sports through its zealous support of international cricket and squash, and now through A1 Grand Prix, the people of India have their first opportunity to be represented in the exclusive world of motorsport on a level playing field with the developed world. With the possibility of racing for their own national team, young Indian drivers now have the chance to compete on the international stage. Alongside this, Indian business can promote their skills and technology by sponsoring their national team, demonstrating India's formidable economic power on a global scale.'

Yesterday's ceremony formed part of a two-day programme during which, Sheikh Maktoum and Atul Gupta were welcomed by Indian Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh at his New Delhi residence. Dr Singh expressed his enthusiasm and support for his country's first national motorsport team a sentiment that was echoed in the evening's speech by A1 Team India's national seat holder Mr Atul Gupta.

Mr Gupta said: 'We, as part of A1 Team India, are extremely delighted to contribute to the growth and development of the motorsport sector in India. Our aim is to position motorsport within Indian sport and generate national pride while doing so. A1 Team India aims to bring high level motor racing to the common man and through its proposed Training Academy will contribute towards the development and professional training of local drivers to compete on a world stage. We wish to showcase India's rich vein of motorsport driving talent that is abundant in the local Asian circuits. A1 Team India aims to fast track motorsport infrastructure giving India an equal opportunity to host the World Cup of Motorsport.'

A1 Team India's President, high profile Bollywood film star, Anil Kapoor went on to say: 'We are looking forward to the A1 series and this could very well be the next biggest sport since cricket. From my side, I am going to ensure that India is represented with a sense of optimism and eagerness. We want the world to see that India is both efficient and responsible in this endeavour.'

The launch of A1 Team India concluded today as the series witnessed another historic event when Sheikh Maktoum drove the A1 Grand Prix car through the streets of Delhi, the first time that a high-powered single seat race car has run in India. Decked in the orange, green and white of the Indian flag, External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh and Anil Kapoor flagged off the car as it left the imposing arch of India Gate heading up the Rajpath.

To check out our picture gallery from the India launch, click here