25/10/2005
NEWS STORY
The A1 Grand Prix of Nations arrives in Sydney next week and local motorsport fans can be the first to preview all the action.
A1 Grand Prix Founder, President and Chairman, Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum, is opening Eastern Creek Raceway for a free open day to view the race cars and meet the Australian A1 Team on Monday, October 31 at 12.30pm.
Sheikh Maktoum has requested the open day so he can display his A1 Grand Prix vision to the Australian people ahead of the Western Sydney venue hosting the fourth round of The World Cup of Motorsport that weekend - November 4-6.
At 1:00pm, Sheikh Maktoum will take the opportunity to complete several laps of the 3.93 kilometre Eastern Creek International Raceway at the wheel of an A1 Grand Prix car before he, along with A1 Team Australia's Team Principal Alan Jones and drivers, Will Davison and Christian Jones, will meet with local school children and members of the public to answer questions about A1 Grand Prix and to sign autographs.
Chairman of the A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Australia and Team Principal for A1 Team Australia, Alan Jones said that during the Open Day, the public will "be given access to the venue, cars and drivers ahead of this world class motorsport event.
"Sheikh Maktoum wants A1 Grand Prix to reach out to the people. It's a series that has been devised not just for motorsport fans, but for everyone," the 1980 World Formula One Champion said. "With the egalitarian nature of the race equipment and the unique (for motorsport) country on country competition, it appeals to anyone who is passionate about their heritage."