French motorsport legend Jean Alesi (right) will make a spectacular return to racing in a brand new Asia and Middle East-based stock car championship beginning next autumn.

Former F1 and DTM racer Alesi is the first of many big name drivers set to take part in the Speedcar Series, a revolutionary contest competing 24 identical 600bhp race cars against each other on tracks across the Middle East and Asia. Organisers of the championship, Speedcar Series Ltd, aim to deliver non-stop excitement and entertainment with fast, open racing over 18 races in nine weekends. The cars will be specifically-built for the series with tubular, fiberglass 'silhouette' chassis coupled with an engine built in Charlotte, USA.

A team of motorsport experts is being assembled to run the series that will officially be launched in Dubai, ahead of the inaugural race season, which will be held between November 2007 and April 2008.

Bernie Ecclestone, President & CEO of Formula One, said: "It seems that motorsport is really becoming a reality in Asia and the Middle East, and I would like to think this is due to the popularity of Formula One. The new Speedcar Series will consequently add even more interest."

Alesi said: "I cannot wait to make my debut in the Speedcar Series. I have driven many different types of cars from all across the world, including F1, DTM, sports cars, touring cars, rally cars and ice racers, however, stock cars are the only type of racer that I still want to try. I am truly excited to be involved in this innovative new championship right from the start. This is a fantastic opportunity, and I am really pleased to work with an excellent group of people to make the series grow, and challenge for the title. I am looking forward to driving the car at the first testing session, held at VIR Race Track, USA, on March 5th and 6th."