25/05/2005
NEWS STORY
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The organizers of the A1 Grand Prix series have revealed the calendar for the inaugural season, which kicks off at Brands Hatch in September.
Currently 16 countries have signed up to the series with another four scheduled to be announced at next week's launch of the Portuguese entry, the franchise for which has been bought by Real Madrid star, Luis Figo.
The championship, which kicks off in the UK, will then visit a further ten countries, including two races in the USA, one at the legendary Laguna Seca track.
In all, the inaugural championship will comprise twelve rounds - each consisting of two races.
Announcing the first season's calendar, A1 Grand Prix Founder, President and Chairman Sheikh Maktoum said: 'With the formal submission of the A1 Grand Prix provisional race calendar to the FIA World Council, my vision of an exciting worldwide racing series is moving closer to fruition.
"A1 Grand Prix will see 25 nations vying for the prestigious World Cup of Motorsport, taking high-profile international racing to new territories. To have 25 cars, each proudly presenting their national sponsors, competing at circuits in both developed and developing markets, will be a remarkable spectacle. It's now only a few short months before millions of viewers world-wide will hear the roar of 25 A1 Grand Prix race cars rev up for the first time.'
With every team racing for the pride of their nation, A1 Grand Prix will ignite the patriotism instilled in every person on the planet attracting support beyond racing's traditional audience. Presenting a rare opportunity for fans to interact with the teams and drivers and follow their national teams live on television.
| Date | Circuit | Country |
| 25-Sep-05 | Brands Hatch | United Kingdom |
| 9-Oct-05 | Eurospeedway GP | Germany |
| 23-Oct-05 | Estoril | Portugal |
| 6-Nov-05 | Eastern Creek | Australia |
| 20-Nov-05 | Sepang International Circuit | Malaysia |
| 11-Dec-05 | Dubai Autodrome | United Arab Emirates |
| 15-Jan-06 | To Be Confirmed | Indonesia/Singapore (A) |
| 29-Jan-06 | Durban/Cape Town (B) | South Africa |
| 12-Feb-06 | Parque Fundidora Monterrey | Mexico |
| 26-Feb-06 | San Antonio, Texas | USA |
| 12-Mar-06 | Laguna Seca, California | USA |
| 26-Mar-06 | Beijing Goldenport (C) TBC | China |
Notes:
A: Both Indonesia and Singapore are competing to host the seventh race in A1GP's first season.
B: At present, either a Durban Street Race or the Killarney Circuit in Cape Town will host the eighth race on the calendar.
C: Subject to FIA Grade 2 approval or alternative circuit as directed by the Chinese government.
Also
San Antonio, will be a street race