A1 Team Austria is pleased to announce that Patrick Friesacher will race for the team at this weekend's A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Monterrey, Mexico. Patrick will replace usual team driver Mathias Lauda, who is unable to participate due to testing commitments.

The team is delighted to welcome Patrick to A1GP, and is confident that he will be able to compete to a high level for the team. The 25-year-old hit the headlines in 2005 when he was signed as race driver for Formula One outfit Minardi, and during his time there he scored some impressive results for the team. Prior to Formula One, Patrick enjoyed a successful four-year stint in International F3000.

Patrick's first introduction into A1 Grand Prix will be on Friday when he participates in two one-hour free practice sessions. It will be vital to make the most of these sessions to familiarise himself with the car as quickly as possible. There will be a final one-hour practice on Saturday morning before the innovative four-part qualifying session on Saturday afternoon. The 30-minute sprint race and one-hour feature race will then take place on Sunday afternoon.

Patrick Friesacher: "I am really looking forward to racing for the Austrian Team and I am really happy to have the chance to compete again. The A1GP series has developed well over the last few races. At the moment I cannot really comment what will happen, as I have not driven the car yet. I think that I will be able to give more information after the practice sessions."