28/02/2005
NEWS STORY
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Pakistan is buzzing following the launch of A1 Team Pakistan in Lahore.
The launch was attended by the President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, as well as many other prominent Ministers, Governors and business leaders.
A1 Team Pakistan launched its entry into the World Cup of Motorsport at the stunning location of Lahore Fort, a World Heritage site, which has over 1,000 years of history, while also becoming the first country to announce its driver - Nur B. Ali, a graduate of the Skip Barber Racing School and previous Champion of the US-based Formula Mazda series.
A1 Team Pakistan Chairman, Arif Husain said "Tonight’s event is truly noteworthy as it heralds Pakistan’s entry into a sport that is totally new to the country. I am very honoured and proud that Pakistan’s people, industry and businesses are supporting us in the pioneering and exciting World Cup of Motorsport".
Founder and President of A1 Grand Prix, Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum added "I am honoured and privileged that A1 Team Pakistan has launched its team as a contender and has taken this opportunity of showcasing Pakistan and its national companies on a world stage. I commend the vision of Salik Hussain and Arif Husain, who will lead Pakistan’s challenge in the World Cup of Motorsport, and wish them every success".
Sheikh Maktoum also took the opportunity to announce the arrival of the latest team to sign up to the A1 Grand Prix series, stating "I am happy and delighted that A1 Team Pakistan is hosting the event where I am able to announce the participation in the series of A1 Team India. It shows how sports can bring people together in friendly competition. It is the first time in history that a launch of a Pakistani national sporting team has been a platform for the announcement of an Indian national sporting team - one of its oldest rivals".
The A1 Team Indian franchise has been acquired by the Gupta family, who own the Sahara Computer Group – a £100,000,000 turnover business. Mr Atul K. Gupta, Managing Director of Sahara Holdings (Pty) Ltd said, "We feel honoured and privileged to be the seat holder for India and believe that A1 Grand Prix brings back the real passion to motorsport where the talent and technique of the driver supersedes the machine he is driving. A1 ignites the fire of patriotism which has been lacking in the sport for some time and I would like to thank Sheikh Maktoum and his team to have bought this concept into reality, which I think is an invaluable contribution to not only the motor industry but to the fans of motorsport in general".
History was made on the streets of Lahore late on Monday, when a racing car was run in Pakistan for the very first time. Sheikh Maktoum drove the A1 GP car on the closed public roads in front of a crowd of 15,000.