15/08/2005
NEWS STORY
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A1 Team Ireland is pleased to announce that it has secured Ireland's entry for the inaugural A1 Grand Prix series which will commence in Brands Hatch on September 25th 2005.
The team, which will be based in Dublin, has been created specifically to compete in the prestigious A1 Grand Prix series, representing Ireland in The World Cup of Motorsport!
Ireland will be competing in all 12 scheduled races throughout the world from September 2005 to March 2006 visiting every continent and will have the chance to take on and compete with the biggest countries in the world, marking a momentous occasion for Irish motorsport, by providing the first ever Irish-based Grand Prix racing team.
Mark Gallagher takes the role of A1 Team Ireland - Team Principal and commented; "This is a momentous day for Irish motorsport and the combination of many months of planning and negotiations. The A1 Grand Prix series promises to be innovative and exciting. I have no doubt that motorsport and sporting fans in Ireland and around the world will be fascinated by it. Having worked in Formula One for many years, I have been very impressed with the detailed planning and professionalism that has gone into the creation of A1 and have no doubt that this will be a prestigious world wide event."
The senior management team is completed by Mark Kershaw as Franchise Principal and PJ Fallon, responsible for Commercial Affairs. Senior technical staff have been appointed and will be announced in the coming days.
Former Jordan Formula One driver (2003), Formula Nippon (2002) and British Formula 3 Champion (1996), Ralph Firman will take the place of Principal Driver for A1 Team Ireland., and a reserve driver will be announced after the team's first test scheduled for Paul Ricard, France, August 24th - 26th.
Ralph commented; "I have always been very proud of my Irish heritage and am delighted to be selected by A1 Team Ireland to represent the country in this exciting new series. Having been closely involved in the development of the A1 Grand Prix Car, I know how good it is to drive and it really does provide a complementary alternative to Formula One. Since driving for Jordan in Formula One, I have been determined to get back into the top of international motor racing."