A1 offers refund to Verstappen fans

The Dutch driver could not agree terms with his national team for the second season of the series, and organisers have released a statement outlining their own disappointment at the news.

"Any fan who purchased a ticket for the sole purpose of supporting Jos Verstappen can request a full refund for the face value on any unwanted ticket," said the statement.

"The ticket holder must e-mail their booking reference number to enquiries@A1GPTB.com officially requesting their refund by midnight on Friday 29 September 2006.

"A refund will be issued on receipt of a valid ticket and will only be given if a corresponding e-mail has been received by the deadline stated. Refunds will not be given on the gate."

Despite organisers not being involved in driver contracts, A1 GP CEO Bruce Holmes had attempted to rescue the situation at the request of Team Netherlands seat holder Jan Lammers.

Holmes said: "A1 GP is ultimately a team sport where cars represent their national flag above any individual. There will be a competitive Dutch team on the track in Zandvoort which the sell out crowd will doubtless be enthusiastically supporting."

The statement from A1 GP added: "We are disappointed that Jos Verstappen will not be competing in the 2006/07 season, and are concerned that the decision has come just days ahead of the season opener in the Netherlands.

"While some fans will be disappointed with Jos Verstappen's withdrawal, A1 GP strongly believes that everyone attending Zandvoort will have an exciting weekend of racing."

Jeroen Bleekemolen will replace Verstappen, and hopes to put his extensive local knowledge to good use this weekend.