A1GP swaps Zandvoort for Assen

Zandvoort has hosted A1GP every year since the series' second season, and was the venue for the famously-sodden inaugural races of A1GP's 'Powered by Ferrari' era last autumn.

But Assen has now secured a long-term deal with A1GP, commencing with an event on 14-16 May 2010. The move was announced at Assen by the country's prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende today.

"It is wonderful news that A1GP has signed a multi-year deal to race at the TT Circuit Assen," he said. "It's a great opportunity to build on this year after year because of the multi-year deal.

"It's an enormous boost for this region of Holland so is very important and will provide real opportunities for the future."

A1GP boss Tony Teixeira said the Netherlands had always been an A1GP stronghold and is sure this situation will continue at Assen.

"I almost feel the series colour should be orange," he said. "We have had an enormous fan following since our very first event, and no one will forget the dedication of the fans at our very wet opening round for the 2008/09 season.

"Assen is a track with a lot of history. It has hosted a variety of very successful races for both two and four wheels and so this will be an exciting new adventure for us."

The Assen circuit is best known for its hugely successful motorcycle races, although it also hosted the Champ Car World Series in 2007.