Germany delay their A1GP return

The 2006/2007 champion team have been restructured under new franchise holder Rolf Beisswanger following Willi Weber's decision to end his involvement with A1GP, and had previously hoped to be ready for the Taupo races in a fortnight.

"I cannot say I am anything other than deeply disappointed at the outcome," said Beisswanger. "We have been working flat out since I took on the role to get a team together that our country would be proud of.

"However, we shall not be at the next two races so have to make sure when we do make our debut the car will be ready to win. This does give us more time to get the sponsors and partners in place and we have to view season four as the launch pad for a full out assault on the championship in season five.

"My major aim is to wrest back the title the team won in season two and for that we have to be totally prepared."

Formula Nippon racer and sometime Jaguar Formula One test driver Andre Lotterer will represent Team Germany when they return.

A1GP boss Pete da Silva expressed his disappointment at Germany's continued absence, but believes the extra time will improve the team's competitiveness.

"All the necessary ingredients to get the team on track in Taupo did not come together, so there was no other option but to delay the team's season four debut," said da Silva.

"On the positive side, we hope the car can cover some test miles so when the team arrives in South Africa it will be able to catch up rapidly."