04/01/2006
NEWS STORY
The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, uncle of A1 GP founder, Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum, has died suddenly, during a visit to Australia.
A statement released by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) presidency - Sheikh Maktoum was the vice-president and Prime Minister of the UAE - read: "The UAE has today lost a historical leader who dedicated his life to building the nation and doing good for its people."
The precise cause of Sheikh Maktoum's death is not known at this time.
It is not known what, if any, impact this will have on the A1 GP series, however - as is customary - forty days of national mourning have been declared.