Some of the greatest and most legendary names in world motorsport are preparing to be reunited in a 'world-first' Grand Prix Masters Series. The Altech Grand Prix Masters of South Africa will be the inaugural event for the 2006 series and takes place in Kyalami on 11th – 13th November - a circuit Grand Prix racing last visited back in 1993.

The international cast of champions and characters boast a treasure trove of history between them and include Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil), Alain Prost (France), Ricardo Patrese (Italy), Alan Jones (Australia), Stefan Johansson (Sweden), Andrea de Cesaris (Italy), René Arnoux (France), Jan Lammers (Netherlands) and Christian Danner (Germany) to name but a few with other names due to be announced shortly. Between 14 and 16 cars are anticipated for the inaugural grid in Kyalami with the total prize fund for the opening race being $500,000. The minimum age criteria is set at 45 years of age.

Brazilian racing legend Emerson Fittipaldi (twice F1 World Champion, Indy 500 winner, and CART Champion) expressed his anticipation at the prospect of being reacquainted with his former adversaries: "I'm very excited about the Grand Prix Masters World Series. Reuniting champions and great drivers from the past in a racing environment where we'll have very powerful cars with minimal technological driver-aids will make for great entertainment and fun for both the drivers and spectators alike. The ingredients for an extremely compelling series are all here."

Awaiting the arrival of the protagonists will be 600 brake horse power machines capable of exceeding over 200mph! The all-new single seater race car has been designed and built by Delta Motorsport (Northamptonshire, UK). Powered by an 80-degree 3.5-litre V8 Nicholson McLaren Cosworth engine, the Grand Prix Masters cars will produce in excess of 600bhp. Based on the highly successful Cosworth XB Indycar engine, Nicholson McLaren have developed this normally-aspirated version offering more than 600bhp at 10,400rpm while maximum torque is achieved at over 320 lb ft at 7,800rpm. The engine combines compact dimensions, minimum weight, maximum strength and awesome power output. The 650kg cars (excluding driver) will be equipped with a six-speed paddle shift gearbox and at the opening race in Kyalami, drivers are expected to be exposed to cornering g-loads of around 2.5g! Electronic driver aids have been kept to a minimum and a stable aerodynamic platform has been defined in an effort to maximise driver input, involvement and overtaking.

Scott Poulter, CEO Grand Prix Masters said: "The Grand Prix Masters World Series will feature the gladiators from a romantic era where daredevil drivers wrestled unforgiving machines to high duel on the open race track. The pioneers and champions from that era will be reunited on 13th November in what promises to be a spectacular curtain raiser to our 2006 World Series. While many are finalised, there are still negotiations taking place with several circuits and promoters about next year and at this stage, we haven't ruled anything out – including the possibility of a street race in North America!"

A maximum of 16 cars will form the inaugural grid with a total of 20 being considered for the 2006 championship. The technical and safety compliance application for both cars and circuits is currently in process with the FIA (governing body of motor sport worldwide).

Alan Jones (Australia) gave the WilliamsF1 team its first Constructor's World Championship back in 1980 and has lost little of his racing instinct: "Some of us haven't raced for nearly 25 years but rest assured we will be ready and hungry on 13th November. Once you get behind the wheel of a racing car you want nothing but victory. We all have egos and we all think we are better than each other and when those red lights go out in Kyalami in around ten weeks from now, the desire and commitment will be nothing short of absolute." The protagonists who for many years generated the high drama and greatest sporting spectacles of all time are aiming to treat fans with not only an epic show but also open accessibility to those attending race events. Various concepts and promotions are being discussed and finalised with the aim being to bring the fans closer than ever to their heroes, the machinery and ultimately, the spectacle.

"The fans are by far our priority audience with Grand Prix Masters," continued Scott. "Put another way, our aim is to deliver NASCAR-style entertainment values whereby fans, spectators and enthusiasts alike can all identify with the excitement and personalities involved. Comprehensive worldwide broadcast syndication rights with live transmissions will help boost significantly the reach and appeal of former world champions brought to life in a modern and contemporary environment," said Scott. "Speed, excitement, dramatic confrontation and gladiatorial combat amongst some of the greatest and fearless names in motor racing is what fans want. Combined with extremely powerful machines with minimal technological driver-aids and what you have is a purist's dream and one which we are all very excited about."

On the medical side, The Grand Masters World Series is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Stephen Olvey M.D. as Chief Medical Officer. Dr Olvey is best known in motor sport as leading the development of safety in Champ Car where he held the position of Chief Medical Officer for over 20 years and is widely credited as leading the team that saved the life of Alex Zanardi after his horrific accident during a Champ Car race in Germany in 2001. Steve has worked with most of the drivers on the current roster for Grand Prix Masters. Speaking from his faculty office in Miami Steve said: "I am very proud to be an integral part of the Grand Prix Masters team and to renew my working relationship with these guys who I have seen develop from young drivers into World Champions."

For more details check out the official Grand Prix Masters website