Irish A1 GP fans are to get 'free-to-air' coverage of the remaining rounds of the inaugural series, even though the coverage will only involve highlights, and will be shown several days after each event.

However, for the many fans unable, or unwilling, to pay for a subscription service, this will be good news, as it at least gives them the opportunity to see the action.

The press release, issued on Wednesday, reads as follows:

"RTÉ will be the only Irish broadcaster to cover the brand new A1 Grand Prix motor racing series, starting Thursday November 10th 2005 on RTÉ Two. Highlights from each race will be shown in a half hour programme presented by Peter Collins bi-weekly after each race. With this exclusive television deal Irish fans can keep track of A1 Team Ireland's performance as they battle for the World Cup of Motorsport 2005/06.

"RTÉ Sport's decision to show highlights of the A1 Grand Prix series shows that the concept of pitting country against country in top level motor sport is really beginning to capture the imagination of the public and media like," said Team Principal Mark Gallagher. "Everyone in the team is delighted to have RTÉ's support and the expertise of Peter Collins behind the microphone. After our first podium finish in Portugal last month this comes as a further boost to A1 Team Ireland's promotion and we hope to bring viewers some great successes to celebrate in the coming months."

Each programme on RTÉ will show highlights from each round of the international FIA sanctioned series, which pits identical single-seater cars against each other, with practice sessions, qualifying and the race itself. Dubliner Michael Devaney, driving for A1 Team Ireland, will be the focus this week with coverage of the fourth round of the series last weekend in Sydney, Australia.

"RTÉ Sport is delighted to bring our audience highlights of the A1 Season adding to our already comprehensive sports package available to viewers free to air", said Glen Killane, Head of Sport, RTÉ."