Germany to rejoin series at Taupo

Previous seat holder Willi Weber has left the operation to be replaced by Rolf Beisswanger, and Michael Ammermuller will return to the team this season, alongside former Jaguar Formula One test driver and more recently Japanese Formula Nippon racer Andre Lotterer.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for us," said Beisswanger, who has worked in sports management in F1, IndyCar, DTM and A1GP. "Team Germany has already won the world cup of motorsport once, however the competition keeps getting stronger so we do not underestimate the challenges ahead.

"We're going to use the remainder of the season to learn about the new Powered-by-Ferrari car, to get prepared with new partners and sponsors, and to look forward to next season and beyond.

"We will use the time before Taupo to work towards being competitive and prepared right from the start."

A1GP's CEO Pete da Silva added: "We thank Willi (Weber) for his support over the first three seasons, during which his roster of young German drivers has made a huge impression and obviously helped the team become champions.

"We now look forward to the new era of Team Germany building on this success and going from strength to strength."

The revamped German team's first appearance will be at the Taupo races on January 25.