A1 GP announces first teams

Britain joins South Africa, China, Portugal, Pakistan and the Lebanon as the first countries to secure entries for the winter one-make championship that is due to start next autumn.

The announcement was made at an official launch party in London where the Chairman of the UK seat holders, John Surtees, took delivery of the British car decked out in the colours of the Union Jack. Surtees will be working closely with the man looking after the British business interests, Tony Clements, in finding suitable drivers.

Sheikh Maktoum said: "This is a significant step forward for A1 Grand Prix. We set ourselves demanding targets and six months down the line we are exceeding our own expectations.

"We are delighted to welcome all six national seat holders to the series, and the fact we have many more countries waiting to announce their participation in the series means our concept has been wholeheartedly embraced by both the business and motorsport fraternities."

The first test for the A1 Grand Prix cars is due to take place next July and series organisers have confirmed that there will be a $1 million prize fund at each race.