A1 GP to Address Drivers Problem

A1 GP rules states that drivers must carry the bloodline of their country to be eligible to race their nation's 550bhp Lola Zyteks when the series kicks off next September.

Maktoum accepts that the ability level on the gird will vary because of competing country's different motorsport heritage, and will formally unveil training plans next week.

Speaking to Autosport Atlas, Maktoum said: "There will be countries that will have problems. Without a doubt we can address this and I realised this when I started A1 GP.

"For example the gulf countries do not have the heritage. When I raced in FIA GTs I was the first driver from the gulf to race in an international championship.

"I used myself as a Guinea pig and I asked how long would it take for someone with just international karting experience to drive an A1GP car? I am five seconds off the pace of Robbie Kerr and he's a fantastic driver. I did that in eight months.

"I thought Pakistan might have a problem but they found two drivers. If Pakistan can find two drivers then anyone can. And if a driver has a bad race then the pride of their nation will make them come back and do better."